(305) 857-3731Do you want a perfect smile? How would having a polished, even, white grin change your life and increase your confidence? Veneers are one way to quickly transform your smile, and they are growing in popularity. What are veneers, and are they right for you?
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin customized shells that are designed to look like teeth and completely cover the surface of the tooth. Depending on your budget and what is right for you, they could be made of porcelain or resin composite. Veneers are a long-lasting smile solution, so they are bonded directly to your existing teeth.
You can get a full mouth of veneers, have them installed only on your front teeth, or get a single veneer to repair cosmetic damage to a tooth. Many patients can have 6-8 veneers installed at any given time, but your dentist can work with you to determine the best solution for your needs.
When Are Veneers Used?
Veneers are an amazing way to reverse many dental imperfections and defects, including:
- Overlapping teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gapping teeth
- Imperfect smile
Unlike some other types of dentistry solutions, veneers can be used to enhance a healthy smile and make it more beautiful or fix existing issues with teeth like chips or fractures.
What Happens During the Veneer Process?
Dental veneers give you a high-impact result in a relatively short time, but you should plan on visiting the dentist at least two or three times to complete the process from start to finish. At the first appointment or consultation, your dentist will examine your smile and speak with you about your goals to determine whether or not you’re a great candidate for veneers. This might involve impressions or X-rays.
Next, your teeth will need to be prepared for veneers. This process is permanent and will involve removing a small amount of enamel from the surface of each tooth having a veneer placed on it. You might receive an anesthetic for this process to eliminate any slight discomfort you may feel. After shaving the tooth, impressions will be made so that the thin shells can be customized for your new veneers.
Once the veneers are finished, they will be temporarily placed on your teeth so that the dentist can ensure a perfect, comfortable fit and color. Because these veneers are an investment in your smile, there is nothing wrong with having multiple adjustments made until they’re perfect. When the veneers are just right, the teeth will be cleaned and polished before being etched, which helps ensure that the veneers get a strong bond to the tooth.
To finish things up, your dentist will apply a thin layer of cement before placing the veneer on the tooth and using a special light to activate the cement and fuse the veneer. If necessary, your dentist can make additional adjustments once the installation is complete for your comfort. In some cases, you’ll have another follow-up appointment in a month to make sure that your veneers look and feel great.
How Do You Take Care of Veneers?
Your veneers will look just like your normal teeth, and you will also be able to care for them almost exactly how you care for your normal teeth. Use a gentle toothpaste and soft toothbrush to clean your teeth. If you want to keep them as white as possible, you should avoid drinking a lot of tea and coffee.
While veneers can last for a very long time with proper care, they are not a permanent solution that will last your entire life. Veneers typically last for 10-20 years, so you should plan on replacing them at some point in the future.
How Are Veneers Different from Crowns and Dental Implants?
Veneers, crowns, and dental implants are all different ways to improve teeth, repair defects, and beautify your smile. However, they are not all the same. Dental veneers primarily cover the front of your teeth, so you will not have a full cover over the biting surface and back of the tooth. Crowns envelop the entire tooth, so you will retain some of the tooth underneath a shell covering the back, front, and sides of the tooth.
Dental implants are a replacement for missing or pulled teeth. They are attached to the jawbone through surgery and are a permanent way to replace teeth. If you are merely interested in beautifying your smile, the best solution is probably veneers. If you need a root canal or have a damaged tooth, a crown is more appropriate. If you are missing a tooth altogether, implants are the best choice.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a younger, healthier, more confident smile, look no further than dental veneers at Miami Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry. We are your one stop shop for a perfect smile. Contact us today to learn more.