Veneers have become a popular solution for transforming smiles, offering a relatively quick and effective way to correct a variety of dental imperfections. If you’ve ever considered enhancing your smile but weren’t sure where to start, this 10-minute introduction to the topic will give you the basic understanding you need to decide if they are something to ask your Redlands dentist more about.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to cover dental imperfections such as chips, stains, misalignments, or gaps between teeth. By adhering these shells directly to the teeth, we create a smooth, polished appearance that looks and feels like natural teeth.
2 Main Types
Porcelain veneers are the most popular type due to their strength and natural appearance. They resist stains better than resin ones and can mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. They typically require some preparation of the tooth surface, which involves removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneer.
Composite resin veneers are generally less expensive than porcelain and can be applied in a single visit to the dentist. These are sculpted on your teeth rather than in a lab. While they can look as good as porcelain ones, they are not as durable and are more susceptible to staining.
The Veneer Procedure
The process of getting veneers typically involves several steps, which can be completed over a few visits to the dentist:
- Consultation and Planning: The first step is a consultation with your dentist, where you discuss your goals and expectations. Your dentist at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry will evaluate your dental health and discuss whether this is a suitable treatment option for you. This might involve taking X-rays or making impressions of your mouth.
- Tooth Preparation: For porcelain veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. This is to make space so that your teeth look natural and not overly bulky. The amount removed is minimal but is permanent, so the decision to proceed must be made carefully.
- Impression Taking: Once your teeth are prepared, your dentist takes a mold of your teeth. This mold is sent to a dental lab where your veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly.
- Temporary Veneers: In cases where the natural teeth are altered, temporary veneers may be placed to protect them while the permanent ones are being made.
- Bonding: Once your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will temporarily place them on your teeth to examine their fit and color. Any adjustments needed can be done by the dentist. The teeth are then cleaned, and the material is bonded to the teeth with a special cement. A light beam helps harden the cement, securing the porcelain to your teeth.
- Follow-Up: After a few weeks, you will have a follow-up visit to check the placement and comfort levels and evaluate your gum response to the new addition.
Benefits of Treatment
- Aesthetic Appeal: Veneers are primarily known for their cosmetic benefits. They provide a whiter, straighter, and more uniform look, dramatically enhancing your smile and confidence.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers are particularly durable and can last up to 15 years with proper care. They are also resistant to discoloration and chipping.
- Minimal Invasiveness: This treatment requires a much less invasive procedure than crowns. The basic structure of your natural teeth is mostly preserved, with only a small amount of the tooth surface being altered. (However, if the problem can be solved with a more conservative option like orthodontic treatment or teeth whitening, that is likely what we will recommend.)
Caring for Your Smile
Caring for veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist are essential. Avoiding excessive force (like biting directly into very hard foods) can help prolong their life.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Veneers can be a great choice for improving your smile if you have minor cosmetic concerns. However, they are not suitable for everyone. People with severe dental issues, such as significant decay or gum disease, may need other treatments first.
If you’re thinking about the aesthetics of your smile, Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry, a cosmetic dentist Redlands CA loves, can help. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process, from the initial consultation to the final application, ensuring that your new smile meets your expectations. This treatment is an investment in your smile and can have a transformative impact on your overall appearance and confidence. Contact us today to find out how we can brighten your smile and your life!