What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic coverings bonded to the front of teeth to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Unlike crowns or bridges, veneers are only applied to the front of the tooth. Each set is custom-made, although they aren’t intended to correct any decay in the tooth. In fact, people with unhealthy teeth, such as those with decay or chronic gum inflammation, aren’t good candidates for porcelain veneers and may be better suited for dental implants.
If you’re wondering where to get affordable veneers, consult our cosmetic dentist — they’ll tell you to pay us a visit!
What Are Laminates?
Laminates have the same function — and provide the same benefits — as veneers. Sometimes, the two terms are used interchangeably. However, laminates do differ as they are slightly thinner and require less amount of enamel to be removed for them to be placed.
Reasons to Get Veneers
There are several common reasons that patients select veneers, including:
- Permanently whiten teeth
- Fix chips and cracks
- Remove obvious gaps
- Blend small or misshapen teeth with others
- Straighten slightly misaligned teeth
Veneers are excellent for those looking to permanently whiten and straighten their smile.
The Process of Getting Veneers Placed
First, you’ll have a consultation with your cosmetic dentist, who will work with you for your smile goals. You may have X-rays, and the dentist will make a mold of your teeth and gums.
After the initial consultation, the dentist schedules another appointment to re-shape the tooth or teeth and prepare it to have the veneer applied. You may have the area numbed before the enamel is removed. Then, the dentist will make a model of your tooth and send it to the dental laboratory, where your veneers will be crafted. The process takes roughly 2 to 4 weeks, and you’ll have a follow-up appointment to actually apply the veneer. In the meantime, you may have temporary veneers applied to prevent further damage to the teeth.
Once the veneers arrive, you’ll have the preparation appointment, where the teeth are cleaned, polished, and etched, roughing the tooth’s surface to ensure that there’s a more substantial bonding process. Next, the dentist will carefully shape and apply them to your teeth, then bond it permanently to the tooth’s surface. This involves a special, non-toxic cement. The dentist then shines a special light beam onto the tooth, activating the chemicals into the cement and completing the bonding process.
Finally, any excess cement is removed, and the placement of the veneer is checked, including how it fits when you bite. After all the veneers are checked, you’ll have a final follow up appointment to check your gums and the placement of the veneers.
Usually, you can return to normal eating and talking within a couple of days of having the veneers placed, although some people report gum pain. Some people may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages, depending on how much of the tooth’s enamel was removed.
What should I expect when I get my dental veneers?
Before dental veneers can be placed on the teeth, the surface of the teeth must be prepared for bonding. After administering a local anesthetic, your dentist will buff away approximately half a millimeter from the surface of the teeth. You’ll then bite into a mold that will be used to form your veneers in a dental lab. When the veneers are ready, you’ll be asked to return to have them fitted, bonded and adjusted for shape and color.
Will I need to follow any post-treatment care instructions?
There is no special care required for dental veneers, and normal brushing and flossing can be resumed immediately. Because veneers are usually placed over the course of two appointments, it is normal to experience some sensitivity between the first and second visit when the teeth have been reduced in preparation for bonding.
Book Your Consultation Today!
Every set of teeth is different, and at Dental Beauty in Feasterville, PA, we make sure that we perform a personalized consultation for each patient. We have highly-trained specialists, making sure that we can take care of even the most advanced procedures without having to refer you to an off-site specialist.
Dental Beauty also offers a wide selection of procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. We also excel in affordable general dentistry services such as composite teeth fillings and bite correction for adults and children.
So, if you’re curious as to where to get veneers, look no further than Dental Beauty in Feasterville, PA! Reach out to us today for more information.