Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain made by professionals in a certified dental laboratory. They are strong, durable, look natural, and are custom-made to match the intended owner’s shape and color of teeth.
Veneers are alternatives to dental crowns and caps. They are also ideal solutions when it comes to treating several dental conditions. They are durable and can last between seven to fifteen years while guaranteeing you an ever beautiful smile.
Reasons For Getting Porcelain Veneers
The following are reasons why you may opt for dental veneers instead of other available alternatives:
- They cosmetically enhance your smile
- Fix discolored or stained teeth
- Fix chipped or broken teeth
- Fix crooked, uneven, or misaligned teeth
- Helps close extensive gaps between teeth
- Helps fix teeth that are way small or too big
Getting Porcelain Veneers
The entire process of getting Porcelain Veneers fixed on your dental formula involves three appointments with your dentist. One trip is for consultation, while the other two are for making and applying the veneer. The process involves three stages as follows;
Planning And Diagnostics
After consultations where you tell your dentist what you want to achieve with the veneers, he/she will examine your teeth first. You might undergo an x-ray procedure if possible to help determine whether you should have veneers or not.
Preparation Stage
Your dentist will reshape the specific tooth surface to equal the veneer’s thickness he intends to attach at this stage. You will both decide whether to use anesthetics to numb the region before trimming off the enamel.
After that, the dentist will make an model/impression of the tooth and take it to a specialist laboratory. They will use this impression to make a suitable veneer for you.
The standard waiting period for the model ranges from two to four. The dentist will advise you on when it is appropriate to come back. In the meantime, you may have a temporary dental veneer fixed as you wait.
Bonding Stage
When the veneer is complete, the dentist will try to fit it on the tooth to see if it matches the shape and color. He will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer until he gets the perfect fit. To adjust the color, he might use a shade of cement.
After that, they will clean, polish, and etch your tooth to prepare it for the veneer. The dentist will then apply a special cement on the veneer before placing it on the tooth.
When the veneer is in its perfect position, he/she will shine a light beam to harden the joint.
Finally, the dentist will remove any excess cement on the tooth’s surface while checking the biting and making necessary adjustments. You may have to do follow up visits where the dentist will examine the development of the gums and veneer placement.
Special Considerations to Know Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
Underlying Dental Conditions
If you want to get porcelain veneers, you must have healthy gums and teeth. Any existing tooth condition like tooth decay and gum disease may disqualify you from going through the procedure. Alternatively, you can have the conditions treated first then go for the process.
Inappropriate Use of Teeth
If you like to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, this might not be the right procedure for you. Dental veneers might be strong and durable, but such activities may strain them. The force might lead the porcelain veneers to break or fall off.
Your dentist is better positioned to treat the grinding or recommend a suitable procedure in such an instance.
It is also important to note that getting porcelain veneer is permanent as the enamel is scraped off to give space. It would be best if you made a sound decision before you take the step.
