A confident and healthy smile helps to make a good impression. Nothing should stop you from being able to smile with confidence. If your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, or they’re chipped, cracked, or misaligned, you might consider having dental veneers installed.
To help you understand this cosmetic dentistry procedure from start to finish, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to dental veneers. It includes all the information you need before going ahead with this procedure.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a great option if you want to enhance your smile while protecting your teeth. These are thin strips that are usually made of porcelain or other tooth-colored composite materials. These shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to hide imperfections and improve their appearance. Dental veneers can be fabricated to fit over a single tooth or to cover multiple teeth.
Types of dental veneers
Dental veneers can be made from two different types of materials and a dentist can help determine which veneer material is the best choice for you:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain is the most popular type of material for veneers. The material is extremely durable, resists staining, and better mimics the look and feel of natural teeth.
- Composite resin veneers: Composite resin can be sculpted directly on the natural tooth and the procedure can be done in one day. Although this is the less expensive option of the two veneer materials, they are not as versatile or durable as porcelain veneers.
When should one get dental veneers?
Dental professionals may recommend dental veneers to patients for several different reasons.
For example, if your enamel is worn down, your teeth can become extremely sensitive to hot and cold sensations. Veneers can act as a protective covering for your teeth to reduce sensitivity and improve the appearance of your damaged teeth.
Plus, if you want to improve the shape, color, or alignment of your teeth, dental veneers can correct those issues and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.
How does the dental veneer procedure work?
The first step in getting dental veneers involves a consultation with your dentist. This will help both of you understand what you want to achieve with the procedure and allow you to address any concerns you may have. Your dentist can then take pictures or impressions of your natural teeth after taking an x-ray to identify any dental issues that should be taken care of before performing the dental veneer placement.
Depending on the type of veneers selected, the installation process may include removing some enamel to ensure that the veneers will bond properly to your teeth.
Here are the detailed steps for each veneer procedure so that you are well informed.
Porcelain veneers procedure
The installation of porcelain veneers requires several important steps to obtain the final result: a beautifully restored smile. Here is a list of what you should expect.
- First, the dentist administers a local anesthetic (frostbite) to make you more comfortable during the procedure.
- A thin layer of enamel from your teeth is removed to make room for the new veneers.
- A mold of your teeth is produced and used to make your porcelain veneers.
- The mold is then sent to an outside dental laboratory where the porcelain veneers will be fabricated. This process usually takes 2-4 weeks.
- While waiting for your porcelain veneers, the dentist installs temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them.
- Once the porcelain veneers are ready, your next appointment is to install your new veneers. During this appointment, the dentist checks the color, shape, and fit of the veneers and adjusts them until they are perfect for you.
- Next, the dentist removes the temporary veneers, cleans your teeth, and applies a mild chemical to them to roughen their surface so that the porcelain veneers adhere better to your teeth.
- The porcelain veneers are then bonded to your teeth one at a time using composite resin cement. A special light beam is used to harden the cement.
- The dentist performs final cleaning and adjustments to your newly installed porcelain dental veneers.
The composite resin veneers procedure
Composite veneers are not only more affordable than porcelain veneers, but they are also easier and faster to install. Here’s what to expect during your composite resin veneer procedure.
- First, the dentist applies a mild chemical to roughen the surface of the tooth.
- A composite resin is selected to match the color of your natural teeth.
- The composite resin is then applied in layers to your tooth.
- Each layer is cured with bright light.
- After the final layer is applied and cured, the composite resin is polished and shaped to form a tooth.
Care after the procedure
Your mouth and gums may be sore for a few days after the procedure, but this is completely normal and should subside as your mouth heels. Dental veneers like porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years, depending on how you care for them, while composite resin veneers will last 5-7 years.
To keep them looking new, treat them as if they were your natural teeth and be consistent about your brushing and flossing. Also, see your dentist at least twice a year for more thorough cleanings.
How much do dental veneers cost?
The best way to learn about the cost of dental veneers is to get a quote from a reputable dentist. Since many factors such as the condition of your teeth, the type of veneers chosen, and lab fees can influence the price of dental veneers, beware of overly attractive prices. They may not consider some standard additional costs.
People uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile who have opted for dental veneers are well aware of all the benefits associated with a restored radiant smile. Faced with all the advantages that dental veneers bring, the cost of the procedure then becomes secondary when a person wants to regain or improve their smile.
Make an informed choice
Dental veneers are cosmetic device that alters the appearance of a person’s teeth. In addition to providing a natural tooth appearance, they help improve tooth color, reduce the space between certain teeth, and hide chipping and other minor damage.
Veneers can vary in both cost and durability. Porcelain veneers are generally stronger and last longer, but they are much more expensive. Composite resin veneers are more affordable, but don’t last as long and can break more easily.
Dental veneers are a long-term solution to cosmetic dental problems. A person considering cosmetic dental work should discuss their options with a dentist.
Find out more about our dental veneers procedure
Are you still wondering if dental veneers are for you? Located on the West Island of Montreal, Center Dentaire Pierrefonds can help you improve your smile with its many cosmetic dental treatments, including dental veneers. Contact us for more information on all of our aesthetic procedures. You can also make an appointment with one of our specialized dentists who will help you choose the solution that is right for you.
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