Veneers are a great conservative option when you are looking to mask any undesirable defects caused by trauma, discoloration due to medications or are looking into covering any existing large discolored resin filling. Veneers are also a good choice when looking into closing any undesirable gaps between front teeth, covering any chipped/worn out tooth and treating smaller than average or misshapen teeth. They are commonly used for either upper or lower front teeth.
There are 2 types of veneers that are widely available: 1) resin veneers and 2) porcelain/ceramic veneers. The former tends to be more of a temporary solution, especially if they are being used to camouflage a tooth fracture on a growing child. These have to be replaced more often and tend to stain or discolor more than porcelain veneers. Due to this, we will be discussing the characteristics of porcelain/ceramic veneers in the following description.
WHAT ARE VENEERS?
Veneers are thin covers made of pressed ceramic, composite resin or porcelain that are used to give teeth a more natural shape and coloration. They are used to cover the side of the teeth facing the lips like a mask, thus giving your teeth a more aesthetic shape. Since veneers do not cover the backside of teeth, it is important that your teeth be free of very large fillings that wrap to the backside of the teeth and may affect the adherence of the veneer to natural tooth structure. If you are considering enhancing the look of your teeth, ask us, your trustworthy dentist in Lake Worth, if veneers are right for you.
If you are a candidate for veneers, please know that in order to be able to bond these thin shells to teeth, a minimal amount of tooth enamel is removed. This allows for the small added thickness of the veneer. It usually takes 2 appointments to complete your veneers. The first visit will consist of the preparation and impression stage and the second will be the final positioning of the porcelain or ceramic veneers onto your natural tooth.
During the veneer preparation appointment, your dentist will shave off said minimal thickness, usually less than 1mm, from the teeth that will receive the veneers. You and your dentist will be able to choose the exact shade of white you want your teeth to have from a special tabs index. Then, an impression of your teeth is taken so that a model can be created. This model, an exact replica of the shape of your shaved teeth, is then used by your dentist’s lab of choice in order to create the veneers, or beautiful works of art that will bring you joy everytime you smile. In the meantime, while you wait for the veneers to be fabricated, your dentist will create temporary veneers that will be aesthetic in shape and color. These temporary veneers are made from a sturdy temporary material, but please make sure that you do not eat anything too hard or sticky using them. While the temporary veneers are made very well, they are not meant for long-term use or excessive wear and tear. Please note that for the most part, the dental laboratory takes an average of 2 weeks to complete detailed work such as this one, so your patience is much appreciated.
Once the lab has put the finishing touches on your veneers, they are ready to become your teeth. At this point, your dentist will carefully remove the temporary veneers, try on the permanent veneers for fit, clean the tooth surface and brush on the adhesive onto your teeth, all the while making sure that the area is very dry. After the dental cement is applied, your veneers are bonded in place. A few minutes are needed for the cement to harden and for any excess to be cleaned away. After your veneers are in place, your dentist will give you instructions about how to maintain them looking beautiful for as long as possible. In addition, a two week follow-up appointment after delivery day is recommended in the case any adjustments are needed.
Due to the stiffness and its high resistance to staining, veneers will provide a cosmetically pleasing smile that will take any existing insecurities away from you. In addition to enhancing your smile, veneers will heighten inner satisfaction and self esteem. As your Lake Worth dentist, we can help you attain your desired results.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN THEM?
After the veneers are bonded to your teeth, you will love and adjust to these new pearly whites. It is important for you to treat these veneers as if they were your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing are vital to prevent any cavities from forming and to prevent the edges from staining. While the veneers are made out of a synthetic material that cannot get a cavity, the teeth that support them are still susceptible to the damage from oral bacteria. If cavities form and go unnoticed, it could lead to failure of the treatment. At your dental office in Lake Worth, we can help you maintain these veneers at their optimal level. It is important to note, however, that like any other dental restoration, your veneers may eventually need to be replaced or re-cemented due to the natural wear of artificial materials. Nonetheless, regular check-ups and good at home oral care, will ensure that your veneers will serve you for many years to come.
If you are considering veneers with a caring dentist near you, call us today at (561) 965-3933 or click below for a consultation.