Nothing can give you more confidence than a sparkling white smile. Even if you take great care of your teeth, discoloration, stains, or bruxism can cause issues that leave you less than thrilled with how they look. Good news: veneers may be right for you.  Veneers are one of the 5 best ways to whiten your teeth. If you’re worried about the veneers procedure, don’t be! Read on and learn what veneers are and what to expect from this common procedure.

What is a Veneer?

A veneer is a porcelain facing created to be bonded directly to the front part of your natural teeth. Cosmetic veneers are commonly used to help enhance your natural smile by giving you a consistent, white facing to your visible teeth. If you’re unhappy with your smile or haven’t seen much success with other whitening processes, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a great option for people concerned about:

• Stained teeth
• Discoloration
• Teeth with pronounced spacing
• Misaligned teeth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth with variation in size, shape, or color
• Chipped or broken teeth

The Veneers Procedure

The veneers procedure is relatively simple for the patient, typically it can be completed in just two appointments. In some cases, you may have a separate consultation so you can discuss options with your dentist before beginning. Your dentist will do an examination of your teeth to make sure veneers are a safe and appropriate choice, as well as explain the procedure to you. It’s important to fully understand the specifics of the veneers procedure before you begin, so make sure to use this time to ask any questions you may have.

Following this consultation and examination, you’re ready to begin the veneers procedure and get a brighter, whiter smile!

Appointment #1: Preparation

Using a local anesthetic to numb the teeth and gum, your dentist will begin by removing a very small amount of your tooth surface, typically less than half of one millimeter. This important part of the procedure offsets the additional space of the veneers, so in the end you won’t feel like you have anything “extra” in your mouth. It’s perfectly safe and ultimately makes your veneers feel so natural that you might forget you had them if it wasn’t for your great new smile.

Your dentist will need to take impressions of your mouth and teeth. Typically, this is performed by using a special dental putty on an impression tray. This tray is placed in your mouth and left for a short time to set. Depending on the recommendation of your dentist, you may be fitted with temporary veneers at this point until your actual veneers are ready.

That’s it for the preparation step of the veneers procedure! The impressions you made will be sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be carefully crafted to create a brand-new smile. Generally, they will be ready for your second appointment within 2-4 weeks.

Appointment #2: Application

Now that your veneers have been custom made, you’re ready for your fitting appointment. If you have temporary veneers, the first step of this visit will be to remove them. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to make sure the surface is ready for your long-term veneers.

Before cementing them permanently into place, your dentist will use a special paste that allows temporarily placement and necessary adjustments of your finished veneers.

When your dentist is happy with the placement, color and fit, they will clean and etch your teeth, a process which ensures a strong bond for your final fitting. Next, the dentist with apply a special bonding agent to place the veneers. Finally, a dental curing light will cure the boding agent and quickly harden the veneers into place.

Following a quick cleaning and last evaluation, you’re all set! Don’t forget, it’s important to schedule a follow-up within a few weeks to make sure your gums aren’t experiencing any irritation from the new veneers.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

It depends on how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers are very durable, and with proper care, they may last up to 15 years, though on average you can expect around 7 to 10 years.

Taking care of your porcelain veneers is no different from taking care of your natural teeth. Just remember to brush and floss them regularly, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste, ideally one which includes fluoride. Remember not to brush too long or with too much force, as just like your natural teeth, this can hasten the “wear and tear” on your veneers.

If you regularly experience excessive tooth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, let your dentist know so they can help decide if a nighttime bite guard is right for you. This guard will protect your veneers from involuntary damage as you sleep and help them last longer.

As always, make sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled dental visits! Your dentist is your partner in making your veneers last as long as possible before needing replacement. If you have concerns of discomfort, let a dental professional know right away!

Contact Walbridge Dental

Thinking about improving your smile with veneers? From routine cleaning and exams to advanced restorative treatments to oral cancer detection, the professionals at Walbridge Dental provide complete family dental care to families in the Millbury community. Contact us online to set up an appointment now or call us at 419-836-1033.

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