What To Expect When Getting Veneers
Posted on: 24 July 2016
If you have teeth that are chipped, stained, misshapen, gapping, or crooked, veneers may be a good option to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Veneers are shells typically made of porcelain or resin that are placed over the existing teeth to create a completely new smile. If you're considering getting veneers, this is what you can expect:
Initial Examination
Before you get veneers, your cosmetic dentist will need to examine your teeth and take x-rays. If it is deemed that you are a good candidate for veneers, you will be able to work with your dentist to help design the perfect smile that you have always wanted. Veneers are custom made for each patient, so you will have the opportunity to select exactly what you want before having the procedure done.
Preparing for Veneers
In order to get veneers, your dentist will have to file down a very small amount of enamel from the surface of your front teeth so the veneers can be placed and fit properly. After your teeth are filed, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth and the mold will be sent to the dental lab that makes the veneers, ensuring an exact fit over your natural teeth. It may take a few weeks for your veneers to be custom made and sent back to your cosmetic dentist's office.
Have the Veneers Placed
When your appointment comes to have the veneers permanently placed on your teeth, your dentist will begin to prepare your teeth by doing a thorough cleaning. A special gel will then be spread on the surface of the front teeth-- this gel will create a rough texture on the surface that makes it easier for the veneers to properly attach to each tooth. Your dentist will then attach each veneer to your teeth using a very strong bonding cement. Your mouth will then be exposed to an ultraviolet light that will cause the bonding cement to harden quickly.
Veneer Care
Your dentist may ask you to come in for a follow-up appointment several weeks after your veneers are placed so he or she can ensure that there are no issues. At home, you can continue a normal routine of brushing and flossing after you get your veneers. With good oral hygiene, you can expect your new veneers to last at least 10 years before you will need to have them replaced.
For more information, consider contacting a cosmetic dentist like those at Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.
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