What Are Veneers?

If you want to improve your smile, veneers are a great solution. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are usually placed over the front part of a patient’s tooth. Veneers are commonly used to treat several different cosmetic concerns including broken teeth. Read on to find out more about dental veneers.

Dental veneers

Veneers usually fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because these thin coverings help makeover smiles with beautifully shaped, aligned teeth. But veneers are also known for their protective qualities and can eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Dental veneers are usually either made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Veneers are bonded permanently to people’s teeth.

The main reason dental veneers are popular is that veneers can improve the appearance of the teeth. Veneers can give a patient a brighter and more even smile. Veneers are usually recommended for the treatment of chipped or broken teeth, gaps in the teeth and smaller-than-average teeth. Dental veneers are also ideal for treating unusually shaped or pointed teeth or uneven coloring or severe discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening.

The appointment

Before getting veneers, a person will have a preliminary appointment with the dentist. The dentist will talk to the patient about the available options and the number of veneers that may need to be placed. Sometimes, if the teeth are uneven or crooked, braces may be recommended before the veneers can be placed. At this stage, X-rays may be taken to evaluate the health of the patient’s teeth.

They will look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay or the need for root canals. A patient who has any of these conditions, may not be a suitable candidate for this treatment option. To get accurate sizing for the dental veneers, at the next appointment, the dentist will trim down about half a millimeter of the tooth. A mold or impression of the teeth will then be taken. This mold will be sent off to the dental lab for the creation of the dental veneers.

How dental veneers are put on the teeth

It usually takes between one and two weeks for the dentist to receive the dental veneers back from the lab. The patient can then schedule an appointment to have the veneers placed. At this stage, the dentist will evaluate the shape, fit and coloration of the veneers to ensure they are suitable for the patient. The dentist will then clean the teeth thoroughly.

This helps keep bacteria from getting trapped under the dental veneer and causing decay. A grinding tool will be used to create a rougher texture on every tooth on which a dental veneer is to be applied. Dental cement will then be used to bond the veneer to the tooth. Ultraviolet light will help to harden the cement quickly.

Takeaway

Dental veneers can last for many years. But this depends on the type of veneer you choose and how you take care of them. If you are considering getting dental veneers, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will help you determine if this treatment option is right for you.

Are you considering getting veneers in the Mountain View area? Get more information at https://smilesdental.com.

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