Dental Veneers 101: Your Guide Through the Process

Smile On Us • December 22, 2020

What is the dental veneers process and what are they? Check out this guide to get all of your questions answered before your procedure.

Scientists have agreed that smiling makes someone more attractive. We all want to be able to flash a beautiful, white, sparkling smile. So many people are trying their hardest to cover their smiles because they lack confidence in it.

Dental veneers are a ticket to that beautiful smile you've always dreamed of. By now you might be wondering what are dental veneers and what will you need to undergo to achieve this? Read on to find out all about them and the veneers process!

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are often referred to as dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers. Each veneer is custom-made to fit your smile in consideration of your wants and needs.

These thin pieces of tooth-colored materials cover the surface of the teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance by changing the shape, size, color, or length.

Veneers generally fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry. This is because the veneers makeover smiles with beautiful teeth. However, they can eliminate the need for further treatments boasting protective qualities.

Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers that are available; porcelain and composite resin. Each comes with their advantages and disadvantages.

Porcelain

Porcelain veneers look so much like your natural teeth that it is hard to tell them apart. This is because of their light-reflection which mimics that of the human tooth.

Because of the quality of the porcelain veneers, these are the more expensive options. It's worth the money when you consider that they are durable and long-lasting. You can expect the lifespan of these to range anywhere between 10 and 20 years depending on several factors.

Porcelain does not stain easily. This means you will be rocking your movie-star-like smile without concern when sipping on your morning coffee.

Veneers are a great option because they require less removal of the natural tooth than a crown or cap. It's important to keep in mind that any veneer procedure, regardless of the type, is irreversible due to the permanent removal of your natural tooth.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is quite a bit more cost-effective. Therefore, you will notice a step down in what you will get out of them.

This type of veneer comes with a shorter lifespan of five to seven years. Due to the material used to make these, they are more likely to wear down at a faster rate. They are easier to repair than porcelain and will cost less to do so.

You won't get quite the same gleam as the porcelain but they will still help get that beautiful smile you desire. There is less tooth removal when compared to porcelain. Your dentist may be able to make and place them all in one visit.

What Can Veneers Fix?

As mentioned, dental veneers can change the size, length, color, and shape of your teeth. In addition, there are some protective qualities you may get out of them. Therefore, there are numerous concerns that veneers can address.

Here are a few of the concerns:

Crooked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Stained teeth
From root canal treatment
Excessive fluoride exposure
Resin fillings
Stains from drugs
Different sized teeth
Worn-down teeth
Misaligned teeth
Gaps

There are additional uses for veneers that depend on your situation. It's best to consult your dentist on your candidacy. Veneers may be a viable option for some but not for others.

The Veneers Process

The process of getting veneers depends on your unique situation, your dentist, and the type of veneer. This describes the general process of each type we have discussed.

Porcelain

Porcelain veneers usually require two to three visits to your dentist. Multiple teeth can undergo treatment at the same time.

Consultation

The first step is to complete a consultation. This is generally completed in the first visit where you will talk through your plan, have an examination, discuss the risks, have impressions, and possibly get x-rays.

Preparation

The next step will include the preparation of the teeth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth by reshaping it. This includes removing some of your natural enamel. This is to make room for the porcelain veneer.

You and your dentist will decide to numb the areas where the work is being completed. An impression will be taken and sent off to the dental laboratory where they will custom-make your veneers.

Temporary veneers are available in the meantime. The process to make your veneers can take between two to four weeks.

Bonding

The final step is completed once your veneers come back into the dentist's office. Your dentist will examine the veneer to check size, quality, color, shape, and length. They may choose to do some more trimming to get the best fit.

After they check for quality, they will adhere them to the teeth. To prepare, your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. A tooth needs to be etched to allow for the strongest possible bond.

A special cement is applied to the veneer and then it is placed onto the tooth. A certain light is then used to cure the cement and affix the veneer to the tooth. This activates the cement.

After they are applied, your dentist will remove any excess cement, check your bite, and make any needed adjustments. You may or may not need to come back for a follow-up appointment.

Composite Resin

Composite resin veneers are different because your dentist can accomplish the custom-made process in house. The material will be shaped to fit your teeth by them rather than a laboratory.

Therefore, you may need fewer appointments. The process is very similar in that you will need some of your natural teeth removed, you'll complete a consultation, and they will be bonded in a similar fashion.

Get Your Dream Smile

Dental veneers are a sure-fire way to get that dream smile you've always wanted. The confidence that comes from a beautiful smile is priceless. Be sure to talk to your dentist to see if you are eligible for the veneers process.

Smile on US Dentistry in Hollywood, Florida offers Dental Veneers Services! Contact us today to get started on your smile.

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