Dr. Kerri Hill at The Art of Dental Wellness can help with a range of dental problems. One of these solutions is dental veneers, thin, customized shells made to cover the front of the teeth. The purpose of dental veneers is mainly to improve a person’s appearance, and dentists make sure that the materials used have the same color as the rest of the teeth.
Materials used to make veneers can come from either porcelain or composite resin. Both materials have different advantages over each other. So, ensure that you discuss this with your dentist before settling for either. Veneers can solve various kinds of dental problems. Some of these include:
- Tooth discoloration, which can arise from various reasons, including root canal treatment, medications, excess fluoride, and so on
- Worn-out teeth
- Broken teeth
- Misaligned, unequal, or asymmetrical teeth
- Gapped teeth
The Complete Process For Getting Veneers
To get veneers, you must visit your dentist on three separate occasions. However, you can get veneers for multiple teeth during these three dental appointments.
The First Visit: Diagnosis and Planning
On the first visit to your dentist’s office, you will explain your cosmetic needs to be on the same page with the dentist. After that, the dentist will examine your mouth to confirm that you are fit for the procedure. If all is well, the dentist will explain the procedure, expected results, and possible side effects. If you are okay with all the dentist has said, the dentist will take an X-ray and an impression of your mouth and teeth.
The Second Visit: Preparation
After taking an impression of your teeth and mouth, you will schedule another appointment with your dentist, where you will prepare your teeth for the veneers. The dentist will trim off a portion of your tooth surface in this visit. This trimmed portion will usually have the thickness of the veneer that the dentist will add to the tooth.
After this, the dentist will take another impression of your tooth and send it to the laboratory, where a technician will form your final veneers. In the meantime, you will get temporary veneers until the final ones are ready.
The Third and Final Visit: Bonding
This is where your veneers are placed. Before this visit, your final veneers will have arrived, and your dentist will invite you to the office. The veneer will already have the shape and color of the tooth to be covered, so the dentist can set it to work immediately. The dentist will trim and shape the veneers to make sure they fit well before attaching them to your tooth.
Once this is achieved, your tooth will be cleaned, dried, and etched. Etching is the process of roughening the tooth enamel to bond well with the veneer. Your dentist will use a special kind of cement to attach the veneer to the tooth, and then they will use a special light to harden it quickly. The dentist will perform some finishing touches, and you will be good to go in a few moments. However, you will need to visit your dentist regularly to check your gums and veneers.
From the first visit to the third, completely fixing your veneer takes over four weeks.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Veneers?
Using veneers has many advantages. Some of these advantages include but are not limited to the following:
- They give you a better appearance.
- Porcelains sit well on the gums.
- Porcelain veneers do not get stained very easily.
- Dental veneers can serve another purpose of making the tooth look whiter.
Individual results vary.
How To Take Care Of Veneers After They’re Placed
If you have gotten your dental veneers, very little is needed to do afterward. You will have no problems if you keep to good oral hygiene practices. Here are some other maintenance practices for your dental veneers:
- Use a soft toothbrush and good toothpaste, or ask your dentist to recommend one.
- Visit the dentist’s office regularly for check-ups.
- Avoid food like wine, tea, or coffee that can stain your teeth.
- Resist grinding or biting your teeth.
- Do not chew hard substances.
- Stop smoking.
If properly taken care of, veneers can last for many years before needing replacement. Individual results vary.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers is quoted at your consultation. You can also ask your insurance company whether your plan covers veneers.
The questions patients ask us first
How many visits does it take to get veneers?
Three visits: diagnosis and planning, tooth preparation, and bonding. You can get veneers for multiple teeth during these three appointments.
How long does the whole veneer process take?
From the first visit to the third, completely fixing your veneer takes over four weeks.
Do I wear anything while my veneers are made?
Yes. After your teeth are prepared, you get temporary veneers until the lab finishes your final ones.
What are veneers made of?
Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin. Each material has different advantages, so discuss them with your dentist.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Every smile and treatment plan is different, so Dr. Hill reviews your options with you at your consultation.
