Dental Veneers Defined
Dental veneers are thin, customized shells designed to fit over a patient’s teeth for the purpose of improving their appearance. Veneers are made of either porcelain or laminate material. The shells are affixed to the front of the teeth with dental cement that is used specifically for that purpose. Getting information about whether veneers are right for you is advisable. It makes sense to book an appointment or call the cosmetic dentistry experts at Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to get your questions answered and have a professional’s opinion.
Why Veneers Are in High Demand
Veneers are one way to address cosmetic concerns such as teeth that are discolored, chipped, broken, misshapen, or too small or large. They can be purchased as a single veneer to cover one problem tooth or as a set to replace several teeth. It is common for people to have the top eight teeth replaced with veneers for a beautiful and symmetrical smile.
Veneers are a very popular cosmetic solution because they look natural and they don’t aggravate the gums. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to stains. Unlike the crown option, veneers are easier to shape and more appealing aesthetically. Additionally, they are stronger.
Preparation for Getting Veneers
The first step to getting a new set of veneers is to consult with a dentist about what your personal goals are. During a consultation, it is common for the dentist to take x-rays, conduct an examination and to make an impression of your teeth.
Temporary veneers are made first using a liquid composite. Pictures are taken of your new smile with the temporary veneers. This helps you decide whether you want to move forward or not. The temporary version is not quite as shiny as the actual veneers will be, but they can help you decide if you like the overall appearance. Since veneers are expensive and irreversible, it is important to make a good decision before making the commitment.
Teeth have to be prepared before you can affix veneers. Enamel will have to be removed from the tooth’s surface. A local anesthetic may be used for pain during this procedure. The lab will use an impression of each tooth to construct the veneer. Typically, it takes a couple of weeks to get the veneers back from the lab.
Before attaching the veneer, your tooth is cleaned and etched to roughen the tooth so that the bonding process will succeed. Then a cement prepared especially for this procedure is rubbed onto the veneer before placing it on the tooth. Next, a light beam is used to activate chemicals present in the bonding cement to make it harden. Finally, the excess cement is scraped away.
No-prep Veneers versus Traditional Veneers
There are no-prep veneers and traditional veneers. No-prep veneers are much easier to apply than traditional veneers and are much less invasive. Vivaneeres and Lumineers are two no-prep options to consider.
Traditional veneers require removing tooth enamel and even part of the tooth in some cases which can be painful and require an anesthetic. This procedure is irreversible compared to no-prep veneers which require only minimal tooth preparation.
Getting the Veneer Color Right
It is important to hire a professional with extensive experience when it is time to get veneers. It is particularly difficult to get the color you want if you aren’t selective about who does the work for you. Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can provide the expertise and facts you need to decide if veneers are the best choice for you.
Matching a veneer to your other teeth is a tricky business for dentists with little experience. Considering the many shades of white, it is far too easy to make a mistake and mess up a smile. Part of the challenge is to make your teeth look white without looking fake.
Conclusion
There is no reason for anyone to look in the mirror and see a smile they don’t like. Dental veneers are the answer to many people’s cosmetic dental problems. They are an investment in yourself and should be taken care of like your natural teeth. You will need to go to the dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning. While veneers are designed to last for many years, many people take special care to avoid chewing ice or grinding their teeth to avoid damaging their veneers.
If you have any questions, would like advice, or a professional cosmetic dentist’s opinion on your options for dental veneers, don’t hesitate to contact Midway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We can be reached by phone at 678-393-1868 or by email [email protected].
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