26 Aug Veneers Teeth Process at Smile Designers
There are many options for improving the appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers are one of the least invasive and cost-effective ways to hide stains, chips, or other imperfections that prevent you from smiling your fullest, brightest smile. Dental veneers are ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells made of porcelain or composite material that are permanently bonded to your teeth, improving your smile and protecting your teeth from further damage.
Cosmetic dental issues that veneers can address
If you have cosmetic dental concerns that are not serious enough for crowns or dental implants, veneers offer instant improvement for dental issues, including:
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Moderately crooked or misaligned teeth
- Smaller than average teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn enamel
- Severe discoloration or uneven coloring that is too serious teeth for whitening treatments
Here’s how it works:
First appointment: Trimming and shading
The first part of the veneer procedure involves an exam to ensure you’re a good candidate. The dentist will take X-rays to look for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health conditions. If everything looks good, the dentist will prep the tooth or teeth by trimming about half a millimeter of enamel to make room for the thin veneer. After trimming, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to send to a dental lab, where your veneers will be custom-made and attached at the next appointment.
The dentist will also use a shade guide to determine which color of porcelain or composite matches best with the surrounding teeth, and which regions need to be more or less translucent to blend in seamlessly.
Temporary veneers
While your permanent, custom-made veneers are being fabricated in the lab, you might need temporary veneers attached to the trimmed teeth while you wait. Most patients don’t require temporary veneers, but patients who needed excessive trimming or who already suffered from worn enamel that causes tooth sensitivity might benefit from temporary veneers.
Final appointment: Fitting and bonding
Before cementing the veneer onto your tooth, your dentist will need to ensure the fit is accurate and file it down in certain areas if it isn’t. You will be asked to bite down, and close and move your mouth to make sure there is no discomfort. Once the dentist is satisfied that everything is as it should be, the tooth or teeth will be prepped for permanent bonding. First, your teeth will be fully cleaned to ensure bacteria doesn’t get caught between the tooth and the veneer. Then the dentist will “roughen up” the surface of the tooth with a file or acid etching gel to make it easier for the veneer to stick. A strong, durable dental cement will be used to bind the veneer to the tooth, and an ultraviolet light will be used to harden the cement quickly. And…done! Your smile is refreshed.
How to care for dental veneers
Dental veneers can last between 10 and 15 years if cared for properly. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, plus twice-yearly visits to the dentist for checkups, here are some tips to ensure your veneers last for years:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or fingernails
- Try not to chew with your front teeth—eat harder foods with your back teeth only
- Never use your teeth to open packaging
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Use a splint or retainer if you grind or clench your teeth at night
Set your smile free with dental veneers at Smile Designers San Diego
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets. If you’re self-conscious about showing your teeth because of minor aesthetic issues, dental porcelain veneers can help. At Smile Designers, we would love to help you set your smile free. Give us a call at (619) 222-6000 , we’ll answer all your questions about dental veneers and other cosmetic options. Schedule your consultation today.