Your smile plays a significant role in making the first impression. You may not be making a good impression if your teeth are not as pearly white as you want. Having beautiful teeth is an investment worth making. Veneers are a great way to repair stained, chipped, and cracked teeth.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, layered, custom-made shells made from teeth-like material to fit the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Either resin or porcelain composite materials constitute veneers.
Between the two, porcelain does not stain easily like resin. Like natural teeth, veneers have properties that reflect light. Generally, veneers can last from seven to fifteen years. After these, you may need to get them replaced.
Who Is a Candidate for Veneers?
If you have any of the following problems, you may need to get veneers:
- Discolored teeth.
- Worn-down teeth.
- Broken or chipped teeth.
- Misaligned, irregularly shaped, or uneven teeth.
- Teeth with gaps between them.
What Will Your Dentist Do?
Getting veneers is not a one-visit process. You can go for three or more appointments for a couple of weeks because it is a procedure with multiple steps. You will begin with a checkup and a consultation at your dentist. Your doctor will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. If you need implants or fillings, your dentist will attend to them first before proceeding.
Next, your doctor will make room for veneers by shaving a thin layer off your enamel. The thickness shaved is usually as slim as that of a fingernail. Your dentist will take an imitation of your expected new smile and create a set of temporary veneers for you to wear until you get the permanent ones. You can decide during this trial period whether you would like to adjust the shape or color of the new teeth you will have.
Once the final permanent veneers are sculpted, you will have your dentist fit them. The temporary veneers get removed, and the permanent ones applied. Before installation, a bonding cement will be placed all over your teeth. Finally, your smile will be ready once your new veneers get installed.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
Veneers are a less invasive procedure, but some factors can preclude you from getting them, as follows:
- Significant structural teeth damage.
- Excess cavities.
- Labial teeth version.
- Underbite or crossbite.
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching.
- Recurrent or active gum disease.
- Severe crowding of teeth.
It is crucial to first discuss with your dental practitioner whether veneers are right for you.
How You Can Care for Your Veneers
It is normal to experience soreness or no comfort after the procedure. You may also experience tooth sensitivity because of the bonding cement. As your mouth continues to heal, the discomfort will clear.
Treat your new teeth like ordinary teeth. Floss regularly and brush your veneers twice a day. The better care you give your teeth, the longer your veneers can last.
For more on veneers, visit Andrew J. Holloman, DDS & Associates at our office in Clearwater, Florida. You can also call (727) 245-0027 today to book an appointment.