Your teeth are one of the few parts your body that are on constant display. Talking, smiling, and eating, your teeth are always the star of the show. Over time, everyone’s teeth will become stained or break down despite doing your best to care for them. Sometimes we experience broken or chipped teeth, which takes away our confidence to show off our smile. So what is one to do? Well, veneers are a great option. What are veneers, you ask?
Here are the basics.
What Are Veneers Exactly?
Thin, custom made shells. Yep, that is exactly what veneers are.
These custom-made shells are applied to the front of your teeth and are generally made from porcelain or a resin composite. Whether your teeth are discolored, broken, or misaligned, veneers can help restore your teeth physically and visually. Veneers are a customized, permanent treatment, and should be discussed with your dentist before deciding to have the procedure done.
Diagnosis and Process
So you and your dentist have decided that veneers are the best treatment option for your situation, but you want to know what’s next.
It will usually take two or three trips to get the entire process completed. Preparing the teeth requires removing about a half millimeter of enamel, which is about the thickness of the new veneer that will be placed.
From this point, an impression is made to create the veneer. For porcelain, the impression will be sent off, and will be received back in about two to four weeks. If there happens to be a wait, no worries, as temporary veneers can be placed.
The next step will be bonding the veneers to the teeth. Your dentist will work by fitting and trimming the veneer to ensure a perfect fit before permanently adhering the veneer. A dentist should never rush through this important part. Upon placement of the veneer, the dentist will use a special cement requiring light to activate the process of bonding.
Active participation and communication are key in successfully getting your veneers placed. Your doctor may ask you to follow up in a few weeks to discuss how the veneers are fitting, as well as examine the gum’s response to the veneer placement.
For more information about veneers and to see if they are the right option for your dental needs, contact us via our website or by phone at (313) 379-5726.
