What are Dental Veneers, And Are They Effective?
Yes, dental veneers are effective in correcting minor dental imperfections like cracks and chips. Cracked teeth can damper your smile and also confidence. Fortunately, using veneers can be a great solution to repairing your dental appearance and smile.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite. They are fixed on the front part of the teeth (enamel) to change the size, shape, and appearance of teeth.
The porcelain veneers are the most common because they resemble your natural teeth. Composite shells also can be crafted to look like your natural teeth. But, unlike the porcelain ones, the composite veneers are fixed on the same day as your appointment.
They are also not as durable and are prone to chipping and cracking.
Getting porcelain veneers near you requires at least two dental visits because they are made in the lab.
When Are the Veneers Recommended?
There are several reasons why the dentist may recommend veneers in Multnomah Village, and they include:
- Discolored teeth due to root canal treatment, trauma to the teeth, using excess fluoride or large fillings
- Worn-down, cracked, and chipped teeth
- Misaligned and irregularly shaped teeth
- Uneven and teeth with gaps in between
Who is Eligible to Get the Veneers?
Veneers are effective in restoring your smile, but you need to be eligible for the Multnomah Village dentist to recommend them. These shells are used on people with healthy teeth and gums. They may not be an ideal solution if you have a thin enamel, active gum infection or decay, and suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding.
How Are They Fixed?
The process of getting veneers in Portland, OR, requires at least two dental trips—one for consultation and the other for fixing them.
- Examination and treatment planning
On your first dental visit, the dentist will do a comprehensive assessment to check if you are eligible for the veneers. Next, he will take you through the procedure and what it entails. The dentist may show you a preview of the veneers before and after. He will also take you through what you expect during the procedure.
- Teeth preparation
Before the shells are fixed, the dentist will trim the teeth to create space for the veneers. The amount of the teeth removed will largely depend on the thickness of the shells used.
A model or cast of the reshaped teeth is taken to the lab to create the veneers. It can take about two to three weeks for the dentist to get the permanent veneers, so he will fix temporary shells to cover and shield the teeth from damage and sensitivity.
- Fixing the veneers
The dentist will examine the veneers for fit and color before fixing them. The temporary veneers are removed, and teeth cleaned. Next, the dentist will etch the teeth to roughen them. A block of cement to hold the teeth, and once the veneer is positioned properly, a light is used to harden them in place. The excess cement is trimmed out, and adjustments are made if necessary.
How Long Do the Veneers Last?
These shells can last between seven and fifteen years depending on the type you choose (the composite veneers are not durable and wear out easily). Although the veneers do not need any special dental instructions, how you take care of them will determine how long they will last.
Apart from maintaining your standard dental hygiene, it is essential to limit your intake of staining foods. You cannot whiten the shells once they discolor. A dentist near you will need to replace them to match the rest of the teeth.
Also, avoid using your teeth as tools to open bottles as this may cause them to crack. Getting regular dental assessments will make it easy for the SW Portland dentist to detect any problem and address it on time. Do not forget to get fluoride treatment regularly as it strengthens your teeth and prevents dental cavities.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Serene Dental for more information about dental veneers and what you can expect during and after the procedure.