How Veneers Work
A consultation with our cosmetic dentist will involve an examination to determine candidacy for veneers. This exam will identify teeth to be treated and their ability to sustain veneers. Teeth and gum tissue must be healthy to go forward with veneers.
Two more dental visits are needed. The first will prepare teeth to be treated. A narrow margin of enamel is removed from the front surface of teeth that will receive veneers. This is done so that once veneers are cemented in place, the result will be a symmetrical appearance.
Models will be taken and sent to the dental lab for fabrication of veneers. Temporaries will be applied to protect teeth until permanent restorations are available.
At your final visit, veneers will be tried in for fit. Any needed adjustments can be made at this time. A color match to surrounding teeth will be assured as veneers are permanently cemented into place.
The Magic of Porcelain Veneers
Magic is the right word to describe these very thin shells as they can make many dental problems disappear.
- Teeth that are stained or discolored may not respond to whitening. Veneers are applied to the front of one or more teeth eliminating the embarrassing problem of unsightly tarnished teeth.
- Broken or chipped teeth appear whole again.
- Teeth that are slightly misaligned or uneven can be treated quickly.
- Unwanted gaps between teeth can appear to close.
Veneers provide a conservative treatment option that is permanent, but takes only a couple of weeks from start to finish. Your cosmetic dentist will undoubtedly make you aware of these facts about porcelain:
It is stain resistant, which is a very good thing. However, this means it will not respond to teeth whitening efforts so if whitening is on the horizon, it is best to whiten first so veneers can be color matched to newly lightened teeth.
Veneer treated teeth are strong, but not invincible. Biting into hard or sticky foods may be ill advised as in the unlikely event a veneer breaks or becomes dislodged, replacement is required.
To learn more about veneers or to schedule a consultation, contact Aesthetic Dental Partners today.
