Dental veneers are used in restorative procedures. They are thin covers made from porcelain or composite. The covers fit over the teeth to create a traditional and natural-looking smile. People commonly turn to veneers as an option for minor chips or other imperfections in the teeth. Understanding all of the information about veneers is important before deciding to get them for your own dental imperfections.
5 interesting facts about dental veneers
Before receiving veneers, patients tend to want to know as much as possible. The facts about dental veneers can help patients determine whether the procedure will help them reach their goals.
1. Veneers come in multiple materials
Veneers may come in porcelain or composite resin. To place porcelain veneers, the dentist removes enamel from the front and sides of the patient's teeth. Next, the dentist creates a mold of the prepared tooth and determines the best shade. The patient will receive a custom porcelain veneer, but in the meantime, it may require a temporary veneer.
Composite resin veneers, on the other hand, are tooth-colored filling materials. When using composite resin, the dentist removes less enamel than porcelain veneers. Once the dentist chooses the appropriate color and shapes the composite veneer, a special light hardens the material to bond it to the tooth. The dentist then polishes and smooths the veneer to appear natural.
2. Veneers address various problems
Veneers can be restorative or cosmetic. Some patients use veneers to cover flaws, such as misshapen teeth. However, others may have extensive decay that requires treatment, and then to restore the smile, dentists may use veneers. Those with trauma or chips in their teeth can also use veneers to have a straighter and polished smile.
3. Veneers look natural
Most people should be unable to tell that a patient has veneers. The material dentists use for veneers matches the color of the patient's tooth. In some cases, it may be lighter if a patient opts for a complete set of whiter veneers. Veneers blend in with the natural teeth, and dentists shape the tooth to match the rest of a patient's mouth.
4. Customizations are standard
Veneers are not one-size-fits-all. Every veneer is different. Dentists customize veneers based on their specific needs. For example, if a patient requires veneers for protection, the veneer may need to be thicker. Likewise, if an individual has chipped teeth, the veneer may need to be longer to make up for the chip or shorter than a regular tooth.
5. Veneers require minimal maintenance
When it comes to porcelain veneers, they tend to be the stronger of the two materials and stain-resistant. If a composite veneer becomes damaged, it is easy to repair with more composite material. Veneers do not require a lot of maintenance, unlike removable dentures. Instead, regular dental cleaning, brushing, and flossing can maintain veneers.
FAQS
There are several other factors to consider.
Who qualifies for veneers?
Patients who wish to receive veneers must have moderately straight teeth and only minor imperfections. In addition, they must have excellent overall oral health. Healthy teeth and gums help to ensure veneers fit correctly, do not cause further damage, and look natural. Finally, patients must not clench their jaw or grind their teeth regularly. Doing so can cause the veneers to break.
How long does the process for veneers take?
Typically, the time between the first consultation appointment and the final placement of the veneers is about three weeks. After the consultation, the cosmetic lab has to make temporary veneers. The dentist then prepares the teeth and places the temporary veneers until the custom ones are created. Usually, the final placement of the custom veneers is the last appointment. However, sometimes patients want to make changes to their custom veneers, which requires additional appointments for fabrication and placement.
What is the recovery process after receiving veneers?
Most of the time, patients adjust to their new veneers within about two weeks. During the recovery process, patients may feel that their teeth are sensitive. Avoiding very hot or cold items as well as using a toothpaste created for sensitive teeth may alleviate some of the discomfort.
Conclusion
Dental veneers can treat various issues. For example, chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth may benefit from veneers. To receive dental veneers, the dentist must remove enamel before bonding the shell to the tooth. Once placed, the patient's teeth will look natural and flawless. Veneers create a more natural look that may even lead to more confidence when speaking, smiling, and generally enjoying life.
Request an appointment or call Fort Lauderdale Dental Studio at (954) 462-5252 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.