Veneers

Veneers are custom-fabricated thin shells that are designed to treat aesthetic dental challenges. They are composed using porcelain or composite resin that is well tolerated by the gums and surrounding tissues. Veneers are bonded to the facial front of teeth to cover dental imperfections like discoloration, gaps between teeth, chips, cracks, and fractures. They are tooth-colored and mimic the natural teeth by reflecting light. This enables you to have a lustrous and beautiful smile.

Veneers provide for great cosmetic enhancements that lead to a beautiful, lustrous and symmetric smile. You may require a veneer installation due to any of the following reasons:

Worn enamel

Enamel is the hard outer surface of the tooth that is exposed to foods, abrasive toothpaste, and chemicals from medication. With time it becomes dull and your teeth appear stained and discolored. Veneers help in whitening the enamel and give your teeth a natural shine.  

Wear and tear

With time as we age, our teeth become more prone to chipping, cracking and mild fractures. This natural wear and tear of teeth give them a jagged appearance. Veneers can restore such teeth and give you a healthy and youthful smile. 

Genetics

Your genetics heavily determine the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Abnormal spacing and gaps can be mended with veneers. 

Uneven teeth

Uneven and irregular structure of teeth affects the bite and may lead to their abnormal wear and tear. Veneers can fix small gaps between teeth and can provide you with an asymmetric smile. 

Discoloration

Stubborn intrinsic stains cannot be treated with whitening procedures. Veneers help in removing intrinsic stains and give your teeth a natural luster.

What is the Procedure to get Veneers?

When you visit the clinic to undergo a veneer placement procedure, your doctor will examine your tooth for decay, cracks, and fractures. If the tooth is free from these issues, he proceeds with the treatment.  Installation of veneers generally requires two appointments and can be performed in three steps.

Smile Design Process

Your doctor will try to understand your objective of getting veneers.  You should communicate to him your need and the desired result. Based on your requirements, he will generate a preview of your future smile after the placement of veneers. You can actively participate in the process of smile design and help your doctor evaluate the best fit with respect to color, shape, and size. 

Tooth Preparation

Your doctor will prepare your tooth for receiving the veneer. Using burs the tooth's enamel will be trimmed by half a millimeter. This reshaping and trimming are done to accommodate the veneer well. Your doctor will then put a temporary veneer on the prepared tooth. Impressions of your teeth will be sent to a dental lab to custom-fabricate the veneer.  

Veneer Bonding

On the second day of your appointment, your doctor will remove the temporary veneer. The prepared tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to avoid entrapping of any bacteria beneath the veneer. The surface of the tooth will then be etched to make it rough. Your doctor will then permanently bond the freshly prepared veneer to your tooth with a dental adhesive.

Veneers: Aftercare

Veneers are strong, durable and resilient. You should use the following aftercare tips to maintain them.

• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing around the veneer twice a day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid wear and tear.
• Veneer is stain resistant but the adhesive used to keep it in place is not. Avoid consuming foods that cause staining of teeth.
• Wear a mouth guard while playing extreme sports as veneers cannot be repaired.
• Use non-abrasive fluoride-based toothpaste to avoid deteriorating the topical surface of the veneer.
• Do not grind your teeth as grinding can loosen the veneer and it may fall out.
• In the case of discoloration, cracking or chipping, visit your dentist immediately.

For further queries, visit Nickles Dental or book an appointment with us at (864) 244-3211.