What are Veneers?
The first thing that people usually notice when you smile is your front teeth. Our front teeth are the most visible teeth to the world. They’re also the most vulnerable to visible damage, such as discoloration, cracking or chipping. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution for anyone who’s looking for a way to improve the look of their front teeth.
Dental veneers are shells that are custom-fitted to your specific teeth. They’re affixed to the front of your teeth so that they can fix any cosmetic issues, such as chipping, cracking, discoloration, or even large gaps and minor alignment issues.
Dental veneers are made out of a composite material that contains porcelain, which lends a natural look to the teeth. These veneers are carefully fixed to the front of the teeth in order to improve the appearance of your smile. In order to ensure a seamless, natural look, the composite material’s color is custom matched to the exact color as your teeth. While affixing veneers is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, they do have the added benefit of providing additional stability.
The Veneer Process
As with many other customized fixes for your teeth, the doctor’s first step is to discuss your options with you to see if you’re a good candidate for veneers. If veneers are indeed a suitable solution for you, then our next step is to make a custom mold from your teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental laboratory, which is where your custom-fitted veneers will be fabricated.
After receiving your veneers and inviting you back to the dental clinic, the doctor will prepare your mouth for affixing the veneers. First, the doctor conducts a thorough cleaning. After that, they may remove a very small amount of enamel. This will create just the right amount of room for the veneer to be attached. Sometimes, a temporary veneer may be needed due to the degree of tooth damage and resulting sensitivity that you’re experiencing. Either way, the permanent veneer will be adhered to your teeth using dental-grade cement. This make sure that the veneer is securely attached for the long-term.
Maintenance and Care
Given that veneers are made of durable materials, a well-maintained set can last a decade or even more. Still, the veneer can be replaced with a new one once it eventually wears down.
In order to maintain veneers, you can establish a routine of brushing and flossing twice a day, with more times as needed. When flossing though, you should take extra care. Some people pull the floss tightly against the tooth. If they floss in between their veneers with an excessive amount of tension and force, the veneer could potentially be pulled loose. However, veneers can essentially be treated just like your natural teeth. Make sure that you attend your bi-annual cleanings and check-ups. The doctor can check in on how your veneers are holding up.
If you think you’d benefit from the healthier structure and more confident smile that veneers give people, make an appointment now! Our professional and devoted staff will guide you along the way.