Dental veneers take a smile from chipped, gapped, or stained to one with aligned teeth all the same shade of white. Veneers are a big step for a person to take because they are typically permanent. This post will highlight the most important info about dental veneers.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that mimics the look of your natural teeth. It provides support similar to that of a natural tooth’s enamel. A dentist or lab custom makes the veneer to suit your mouth, teeth, and tongue individually. Over the course of several visits, your dentist attaches the veneer to your teeth. Veneers are less invasive of a procedure as placing braces or crowns to strengthen or align the teeth. Dental veneers can last anywhere from 10-20 years the patient maintains them well. Their cost will vary between $800 and $2,000, a significant investment in the health and appearance of your teeth.
The Procedure for Placing Veneers
The complete process will usually take two visits to your dentist’s office. If a lab creates the veneer, it will take two appointments, whereas prefabricated ones can be put on in one appointment.
- Local anesthesia is not necessary but can be used for clients with sensitive teeth. The dentist will clean the tooth and remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth so the veneer can fit over it. Your dentist will also decide on the shade of the veneer.
- Your dentist will make an impression of the tooth or teeth to be sent to the lab.
- After delivery, your dentist will have you back to your second appointment, clean the tooth, and then place adhesive and cement on the veneer before fitting it onto the tooth.
- Your dentist will then use a light cure for at least 60 seconds on all sides of the tooth.
- Your dentist will then remove any extra material and polish the veneer.
Typically you will have a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check the status of the veneer.
How to Care for Your Veneers
Make sure to care for your veneers in most ways, be treating them like regular teeth. Brush and floss the veneers just as you would any of your teeth. Choose non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to get the best results. Limit your coffee drinking to avoid staining your veneers. At some point, your veneers will need to be replaced - taking good care of them can extend their life as long as possible.
Dental veneers will not be perfect replacements for teeth, but you can expect your smile to undergo a significant improvement when the procedure is all done. The team at Signature Smiles Dental is here to help you have the healthiest, brightest smile as possible. Click here to learn more about our dental veneers, or give us a call today at (248) 557-5756 to speak with one of our dental staff.