Being self-conscious about the state of your teeth can negatively affect your social life. You may hide your smile each time you are around people and even avoid making new friends. This may be because of dental imperfections, including tooth discoloration, spaces between your teeth or cracked teeth. Fortunately, you can now enhance your dental outlook using dental veneers, crowns, and bridges with cosmetic dentistry. A consultation with your specialist at Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center is necessary to choose the proper cosmetic treatment and determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
What are veneers, and how are they used?
Dental veneers or porcelain dental laminates are thin custom-made shells used to cover the front part of your teeth to improve your outlook. Veneers can be made from two different types of material, including porcelain and composite resin, each having its benefits and downsides. Porcelain veneers are strong, durable, and closely match your natural teeth. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are cheaper compared to porcelain veneers. Here are some of the benefits of getting veneers.
- Getting veneers is a non-invasive process and allows patients to resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
- Veneers correct dental imperfections, boosting your self-image and confidence.
- Dental veneers address multiple problems like discoloration and mild misalignment simultaneously.
- Dental veneers can help with tooth sensitivity for people with worn-out enamel.
Preparing for veneers
Consulting with your doctor should be the first step if you are considering getting veneers. You may require a visit with your specialist twice before getting the veneers. The first appointment is to determine whether you are a good candidate for veneers, and the second visit involves the process of fabricating your veneers. During a consultation, your dental specialist will examine your teeth to determine whether veneers are an option for you. While the placement of veneers is generally a safe procedure, some patients may not be viable for this treatment due to various reasons that include:
- Severe periodontitis has caused gum recession.
- Severe teeth misalignment.
- Insufficient enamel on the teeth’ surface.
- Weak teeth due to decay and large dental fillings.
What happens during the second appointment?
A second visit to your specialist means that you are eligible for veneers. During this appointment, images and impressions of your teeth are taken to facilitate the process of fabricating veneers. Your doctor may remove small amounts of enamel on your teeth’ surface to create a mold of your tooth. These impressions are sent to the lab to aid the making of permanent veneers, a process that may take two weeks or a month. Here, you can ask your doctor any questions about veneers to clear any uncertainties that you may have. Discussing the desired outcome with your specialist is excellent to help you know what masks can and cannot do and manage your expectations. Your dentist may show you images of previous patients who got veneers to give you an outlook on what to expect after treatment. As you wait for the placement of the permanent veneers, your dentist may send you home with temporary veneers.
Veneers are a worthwhile investment as they can last up to ten years with proper maintenance. Do not let dental imperfections weigh you down. Consult with your dentist about veneers to know whether you are suitable for the procedure and enhance your teeth’s appearance.
