Not all dental problems can be fixed using orthodontic treatment. If you have a discolored or chipped tooth, dental specialists will help improve your smile and dental look using porcelain veneers in Summit. Here is what you need to know about this treatment option.
What is a dental veneer?
A veneer is a thin layer of material that is placed over a tooth. It is made from porcelain or composite resin. Advantages of porcelain veneers are:
- They are long-lasting and strong
- Have a natural-looking finish
- They do not stain
- Less tooth enamel is removed
Composite resin veneers are cheap and require fewer visits to the dentist
Veneers are used for several dental problems. These include:
- Discoloured teeth caused by excess fluoride, stains from drugs and tetracycline, resin fillings, and root canal treatments
- Worn out tissues
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
There are a few downsides to veneers that your dentist will inform you of before the process. For example:
- Veneers cannot be replaced if they chip.
- Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods because of the removal of enamel.
- In a few circumstances, veneers can fall off.
- Teeth covered by shells may still decay.
- The process is irreversible.
You will experience some positive results, too, when you get veneers. Examples include:
- Veneers will improve your self-confidence, especially in social places
- They make your teeth brighter and enhance your smile
- They keep you on the lookout for oral hygiene
Dental veneer procedure
During the first appointment, you will inform your dentist of the outcome you want to achieve. Your dental specialist will examine your teeth to ensure that veneers are efficient for you. Your dentist will conduct an assessment to ensure:
- Your gums and teeth are healthy.
- You don’t clench or grind your teeth because your veneers might chip and break.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth to create room for the shell.
Your dental specialist makes a sample of the prepared teeth and picks a shade that best fits the rest of your teeth.
Your dentist will send the impression to a dental lab to customize the veneers that will be ready during the next visit. Meanwhile, your dentist will give you temporary veneers to use.
To install the veneers, your dentist will place them on your teeth to check if they fit. Adjustments will be made if needed.
Your dental specialist then prepares your teeth by cleaning, polishing, and etching.
Your dentist applies a unique adhesive to the veneers and attaches them to your teeth.
After the veneers are well-positioned, your dentist will use a beam of light to ensure firm bonding of the shells on the teeth surface.
During the final step, your dentist will remove excess cement and make any adjustments.
Aftercare guidelines for dental veneers
- Avoid hard foods because they can break the veneers
- Brush using a toothpaste containing fluoride
- Floss after eating and before bedtime
- Wear a guard on your teeth to protect against clenching and grinding
- Visit your dentist for evaluation and checkups every six months
Schedule an appointment with your dental specialist to get your veneers fixed and improve your smile.
