Sometimes, when it comes to giving you the perfect, shining smile, you may find that standard teeth whitening is not doing the trick. In this case, you may be interested in dental veneers. Dental veneers are highly effective cosmetic procedures that can change a patient’s entire appearance. Whether you need a single veneer to address a damaged tooth or several to create an even, shining smile, Smile Wellness is the place to visit.
Veneers are made from a variety of materials with varying durability and are generally applied to your front-facing teeth.
What are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin cover attached to the front of your tooth, covering stains, discoloration, cracks, and more. They are constructed from porcelain or resin. Unlike a canvas, which covers the entire tooth, or an implant, which replaces the tooth, a veneer only goes on the front-facing surface so that you can reclaim that shining, bright smile.
Veneers can also be used to address worn-down teeth, misaligned or uneven teeth, or teeth with gaps between them.
Veneers are less invasive and more permanent than many other cosmetic options. It’s easy to see why they are so popular.
What Can I Expect from the Appointment
Our dentists will go over the various options you have for veneers during your first appointment. We will assess your specific situation and help you determine which type of veneer best addresses your needs.
We will take digital X-rays of your teeth to find tooth decay or gum disease signs, as these could make the process more difficult. If the teeth in question have an underlying health issue, we may need to take care of this first. We will then size up your teeth to ensure the veneers fit before taking some enamel to create a mold. In some cases, we may need to trim about half a millimeter off of your teeth.
The process of preparing your veneers will take about a week or two while we ensure they will fit perfectly. We will deep clean your teeth before applying the veneer to ensure that no bacteria is trapped under the veneer. After that, a rough texture will be applied to your tooth so we can stick the veneer on. Using dental cement, the veneer is bonded to your tooth, and it will look like your smile is as good as new.
What Types of Veneer Are There?
Veneers are constructed from several different materials. These include:
- Porcelain Veneers: A common choice for the way they blend in with your teeth, these are very strong and durable. However, the installation procedure can be lengthy, and it can be expensive.
- Composite Veneers: Made using a resin composite of organic and inorganic materials. These are more affordable and require a less invasive procedure but do not last as long and can stain.
- Lumineers: These are a specific brand of veneer made of a porcelain laminate material. These are usually used for discolored and irregularly shaped teeth. They are less natural-looking and have a shorter lifespan, but they are also fairly easy to put on and are reversible
- Removable Veneers: Also called “snap-on smile,” a removable veneer can work as well as a permanent veneer; the obvious problem is the fact that they’re not permanent and must be removed when they’re not needed.
When you schedule a consultation with Smile Wellness dentist, you can rest assured we will go over all of your options with you to ensure you are getting a veneer that works for you.
Is there a Recovery Period for Veneers?
You can immediately return to your schedule after your veneers have been applied. Be aware that your teeth may be sensitive, however, and you may want to avoid eating for an hour or two after the procedure.
For a minimally invasive, comfortable procedure with results that last, call Smile Wellness for a consultation today! We will go over any questions you may, so you are fully informed before you make a decision. There are many options available to you. For more information on what our Smile Wellness dentist can do for you, call 732-572-8888 today.