Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are not the only way to repair your smile, but they might be the right choice for you. Nothing can make you want to hide your smile more than a damaged tooth or other aesthetically displeasing features. Veneers also have more than just cosmetic benefits. This treatment can improve your health and protect teeth from chipping or cracking. If you are thinking about getting a veneer, you should first understand how the process works.

Comparing dental veneers with other options

To restore a smile, a person may visit the dentist and explore various methods. Crowns are a common way to treat cosmetic worries. Usually made out of ceramic or porcelain, crowns fit over the top of an affected tooth. A crown is natural-looking and also helps the person to bite into most foods. Another type of treatment is a bridge. This consists of a combination of crowns and artificial teeth to fill in gaps or replace badly damaged or decayed teeth.

Questions about appearance

Unlike crowns, dental veneers attach to the front of a tooth instead of covering the entire tooth. A veneer is made of porcelain, so it is durable and strong. It is a thin shell that bonds well with a tooth and can improve the way it looks. The dentist can fabricate the veneer in the office or at an off-site lab. The finished result will be a shell in the same color as a natural tooth.

Questions about the time frame and process

Most patients can expect to visit the dentist for at least three appointments when getting dental veneers. At the first visit, the dentist will take X-rays and make impressions of the mouth. At the next appointment, the dentist will numb the patient’s mouth and reshape the tooth. The dentist will also move a small amount of enamel and etch the tooth so that the veneer will bond well with it. The dentist then places a temporary veneer on the tooth.

Once the permanent veneer is ready, the patient comes back, and the dentist cements it to the front of the tooth. There will also be an evaluation to ensure that the veneer fits properly and does not feel painful or uncomfortable. Be aware that each case is different, and every patient has their own needs. The dentist will evaluate how to most effectively care for each individual.

Questions about care

Within a few days, the patient should begin to become used to the dental veneers. A veneer should last for 7-10 years, though this length depends on a patient’s diligence in care and maintenance. Daily brushing and flossing are vital to keeping the veneers looking nice. Limiting hard, sticky, and chewy foods will also help to ensure that the veneers do not break or become pulled out when eating. It may also be helpful for the person to wear a mouthguard when playing sports. The patient should also go see the dentist regularly for routine cleanings and to check on the veneers.

Feel good about choosing veneers

If you are worried about what type of treatment to get for your teeth, your dentist can help. Make an appointment to discuss whether it makes sense to get dental veneers. Come prepared with questions and concerns. As you learn how veneers work and what the results can be, you can feel comfortable starting your treatment.

Are you considering getting dental veneers in the Tucson area? Get more information at https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com.