Annual Oral Health Section
Convenient and natural-looking, veneers are a great option for improving or restoring your smile.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or ceramic that are fitted over existing teeth to create a natural-looking smile. Noteworthy for their durability compared to other restorative options, such as composite resin, veneers also mimic the original tooth enamel in appearance. When put in place, they are bonded directly to the tooth with a strong adhesive and are often permanent.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Veneers can be an excellent option for someone who has teeth that are damaged in some way, such as chipped or fractured, as well as someone who has teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored. Veneers can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple, depending on the needs of the patient. They can be custom-made to match the shape and color of your existing, intact teeth and can also be used to hide gaps. Veneers are a great option for someone who is looking for quicker smile restoration, as the entire process can be completed in just two weeks.
What Is the Process Like?
The process of placing veneers usually takes place across two dentist visits. At your first, some prep will be done to ready your teeth for the veneers. This usually includes some buffing and surface shaping to allow for the addition of veneers to your smile. Following this, a dental impression will be taken via an intraoral scanner, and those scans will be used in a lab where your permanent veneers will be crafted. In the meantime, your dentist will apply temporary veneers and set up a second appointment with you.
At this second appointment, usually two weeks later, the temporary veneers will be removed, your teeth will be cleaned, and the new, permanent veneers will be placed. Once this occurs, your teeth will be cured under a light for 60 seconds to complete the bonding process. After a cleanup and polishing, you’ll be good to go!
What About the Upkeep?
After the procedure is completed, you’ll just care for your new veneers as you would your natural teeth. Dentists also recommend avoiding certain habits, such as chewing ice or biting your nails, to avoid any problems with your veneers. Though they will likely require replacement eventually, taking proper care of them will ensure that they last as long as possible. HS
