If you want to enhance the look of stained, chipped or broken teeth, dental veneers might be the solution you’re looking for. A veneer is a thin shield of porcelain that’s used to cover the front surface of a tooth. A minimum of two appointments is often necessary to complete the procedure.
Here is what you can expect during the process:
Dental impressions
Your dentist will take first take dental impressions. He or she will then submit this replica to the lab, which will then fabricate a stone impression of your teeth.
Which shade?
You will have a variety of veneer shades to choose from. While you may desire whiter teeth, it is wise to bear in mind that the veneer shade you choose should complement your overall appearance and especially your skin tone. The more natural the look, the better.
Tooth preparation
Your dentist will typically begin by contouring the front surface of each tooth that will receive a veneer. He or she will then take a second set of impressions, this time of the prepared teeth as well as of how those teeth bite together. These will then be sent to the same laboratory that made your stone tooth impression.
Temporary veneers
These are made at the dentist’s office. Once they are ready, the dentist will cement them into place with temporary bonding material. The average wait for your permanent veneers is between a week to 10 days.
While you have your temporary veneers in place, you should avoid the following:
- eating all hard foods or foods with pigments that can stain the temporary veneers;
- chewing gum or consuming sticky candy;
- biting your nails; and
- using your teeth to open or tear non-food items.
Permanent veneers
The dentist will clean the teeth that will receive the veneers with special solution that microscopically roughens the surface of the tooth. He or she will then put cement on the back of the veneer then place it onto your tooth. The dentist may also use a curing light to harden the cement. Afterwards, he or she will check to make sure that your bite is correct and make all necessary adjustments.
Olympia Hills Family Dental knows how important it is to have healthy-looking teeth. When you make an appointment with us, we will evaluate your particular situation to see if you qualify for veneer treatment. For a lifetime of beautiful smiles, contact us!
Call Olympia Hills Family Dental at (210)658-3131 for the best care for your family’s dental health!