Understand How Veneers Fix Multiple Dental Imperfections

Healthy teeth are a great asset – they boost your confidence and general facial appearance. Conversely, teeth that are malformed, chipped, and discolored, may affect your social life and self-image. Your specialist at a medical clinic in Delray Beach, FL, may recommend veneers to improve your smile, thanks to modern dentistry. The process of getting veneers is fast and non-invasive, which makes them one of the top choices for most people with multiple dental problems. Below is a concise description of what veneers are.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells or coverings placed on the front surface of your teeth. They are used for multiple dental problems such as:

•         Tooth discoloration. Your teeth may be discolored due to different reasons, such as excessive fluoride, large resin filling, and stains from tetracycline.
•         Teeth misalignment.
•         Worn out teeth.
•         Chipped or broken teeth.
•         Spaces or gaps between your teeth.

Veneers mimic your teeth’ natural appearance, including shape and color. They can be made out of two different materials – porcelain and composite resin. Your choice of veneers depends on your budget, as porcelain veneers are more costly than composite resin veneers.

The Process of Getting Veneers

Getting dental veneers will require three visits to your dentist – one for a consultation and two for the making and placing of the coverings.

Consultation Appointment

During a consultation, the dentist physically examines your teeth or may use dental x-rays to ensure you are a good candidate for dental veneers. The process may not be ideal for you if:

•         You have gum disease or gingivitis. Placing veneers over bacteria will worsen your existing condition. Patients with gum disease need to undergo treatment before getting veneers.
•         Your teeth are severely misaligned.
•         You have bad habits such as nail-biting and grinding your teeth. Veneers may break or wear out due to such practices.

Here is where you discuss with your specialist the goals or results you want to achieve. Your doctor will let you know what veneers can and cannot do to help manage your expectations. For example, dental veneers only cover discolored teeth and do not address the pigment change. A mock-up session with your dentist gives you an idea of the results to expect after getting the coverings.

Treatment Planning

During the second appointment, the dentist removes tiny amounts of enamel from the surface of your teeth. The dentist does this to create space for the veneer to not feel bulky upon placement. Using the obtained enamel, your specialist creates a putty mold of your teeth and sends it to the lab to make permanent veneers. Sometimes the veneers’ impressions can be created using 3D mapping technology. As you wait for your permanent veneers, your dentist may send you home with temporary coverings. Tooth coverings may take several weeks or a month to get ready.

Veneer Placement

This is the last visit where the doctor places the veneers on the surface of your teeth. The first step, etching,  is where the dentist uses an acidic gel to dissolve minerals on your tooth to create a rough surface. The dentist applies dental cement on the veneer and bonds it on your tooth. A beam of light is used to harden the cement further.

For further inquiries on veneers, consult with your specialist at Delray Medical & Dental.