Veneers are made out of composite resin-based ultra-thin shells, usually porcelain. They are fixed on the patients’ teeth and can fix anything from tooth color, alignment, or even correct cracked, chipped, widely spaced or uneven teeth. The procedure may require some local anesthesia. However, in most cases, no anesthesia needed. With veneers, you can mask your teeth discolorations, brighten your teeth and improve your smile. You will be able to see the final result of your new smile after the procedure is completed. Veneers are also durable and can last for many years with proper care. The results achieved with veneers are usually very natural looking. You will be able to talk and eat normally right after the procedure is completed. If you take care of your veneers properly, they can last for many years to come.

WHY CHOOSE VENEERS?

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure. They are thin laminates that are applied to the front surface of the teeth in order to improve their appearance. Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental flaws, such as cracked, stained, chipped, widely spaced, or uneven teeth. They can also be used to smooth out the appearance of misaligned teeth. In addition, veneers can help to hide teeth discoloration that is caused by lifestyle habits, old age, or genetic inheritance. However, it is important to note that veneers are strictly a cosmetic procedure. They do not improve the function of the teeth. Rather, they are only used to enhance the appearance of healthy teeth. As such, they are only recommended for patients who wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile.

PROCEDURE

Depending on your condition, you might need a maximum of three appointments for the whole procedure, usually: diagnosis, treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. To begin with, know what you want exactly and ensure that your dentist gets it fully. Remain active in the smile design, spend enough time planning for the smile, understand each limitation of the procedure and consult as much as it will be enough for you and your dentist’s understanding. The actual procedure begins by preparing your teeth for the veneers. Your teeth will be lightly buffed, allowing small added thickness from the veneers. About a half millimeter of your tooth will be removed. At this point, a local anesthetic may be required. Next, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth which will be sent off to a laboratory where they will make your custom veneers. In the meantime, temporary veneers can be placed on your teeth to protect them until your next appointment. Once your custom veneers are back from the lab, your dentist will check them for fit and then bond them to your teeth with a special adhesive. Finally, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check on the progress of your veneers and to make any necessary adjustments.

For ceramic veneers, your dentist will first take a mold of your teeth then send it to the lab for fabrication. The whole procedure here takes several days but if your teeth are too unsightly, your dentist might consider using a temporary veneer at an additional cost. From the laboratory, your dentist will then place each of the ceramic veneers on your teeth to check their fit while getting a sense of the color or shade. Your role at this point is to pay close attention to the results, especially the color. It is only at this time that you can have the color of your veneers adjusted if it does not rhyme with the shade of the cement to be used because the color cannot be adjusted after your veneers are cemented. The last procedure involves the application of the veneers. To do this, your dentist will first roughen up the surface of your tooth before putting on a layer of bonding agent. Once in place, a high-intensity light is used to cure or harden the bonding agent. The next step is to apply the cement and then put your new veneer in place. Again, a bright light is used to cure or harden the cement which takes just a few minutes.

MAINTENANCE

After your procedure is completed your teeth will appear changed in shape and size. It might take you a week or two to adjust to the “new” look and feel of your teeth. To help ensure that your bonded teeth stay healthy and strong, be sure to brush and floss them every day. You should also schedule a follow-up appointment after one or two weeks. And finally, take care when eating tough foods and avoid grinding your teeth. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your newly bonded teeth looking great for years to come.