Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a naturally beautiful smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments provide a solution for teeth in any condition and can deliver a stunning smile whilst improving your confidence and self-esteem.
With so many options available, knowing which treatment is for you is something you need to consider.
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments is veneers. As one of the least invasive and most cost effective options, veneers are pain free to have fitted and provide long lasing results.
What are dental veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin porcelain shell that is applied to the front of a tooth using an adhesive. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by covering gaps and other abnormalities and look undetectable from your natural teeth.
How are teeth prepared for veneers?
In most cases, dental veneers require very little preparation, however, a small amount of outer enamel may need to be removed from the surface of the tooth before the veneer can be bonded to it. The amount of enamel taken is extremely small and will be replaced by the veneer. The enamel is taken to ensure that the veneers aren’t distinguishable from your natural tooth and that each one fits correctly.
How is the procedure performed?
The dentist will begin by taking an impression of your natural teeth. Once set, the impression will be used as a mould to create veneers that will fit perfectly to your natural teeth.
Before the veneers can be attached, the dentist will apply an etching gel to your teeth that causes their surface to become uneven. Doing this helps the bonding agent create a stronger bond between the veneer and your natural tooth.
A bonding agent is then applied to each veneer and the veneer is placed over the tooth. This process is repeated until all the veneers have been put in place.
The final part of the procedure is to remove any excess bonding agent and polish the veneers. Once all of these stages have been completed, you will be left with a beautiful and natural looking smile.
The procedure is relatively pain free, however, an anaesthetic injection can be used when enamel is being removed in order to diminish any pain and discomfort.
Maintaining dental veneers
Veneers can be treated in the same way as your natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed twice per day and can chip or become loose if not looked after correctly.
If you are somebody that grinds or clenches their teeth together during your sleep, your dentist should provide you with a mouth guard that will protect your veneers from being damaged. The mouth guard will be worn whilst you sleep and can be removed in the morning.
Around 7 days after your veneers have been fitted, you will have to attend an appointment with your dentist who will be able to check that there are no problems with the veneers and that you’re adjusting to them well.
It’s important to attend dental check-ups and receive professional maintenance to ensure that the veneers are in good condition. This will give your dentist the opportunity to determine if there are any potential problems. Veneers can be repaired or replaced with ease if they get damaged.
What are the benefits of having dental veneers?
Book a consultation
If dental veneers is something that you have been considering and you would like to find out more about them, book a consultation.
Phone our clinic on 941-927-5411 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.