If your teeth are stained, broken, or shaped in a way that’s not pleasing to you, then you may want to consider porcelain laminate veneers to enhance
your smile. Veneers are very thin coverings that are custom made porcelain to conceal the surfaces of your teeth. They can make uneven teeth even, make
stained teeth appear white, fill in gaps between teeth, and make broken teeth appear whole.
Even though veneers are a thin covering, they are extremely strong and durable and will generally not need to be replaced for several years.
Some of the advantages of veneers are:
- Application is a virtually painless, usually done without anesthetic.
- Veneers can cover broken teeth, uneven teeth, or fill in gaps between teeth.
- Veneers are often less expensive than other coverings such as crowns.
- Veneers usually require only a very small amount of enamel to be removed.
* Veneers are custom made from porcelain to fit precisely over your existing teeth and are held in place by a special light sensitive resin which adheres
the back of the veneer to the prepared tooth.
How are veneers applied?
Applying veneers is a two-visit procedure. During your first visit, your teeth will be prepared by removing a very thin layer of enamel
(hard outer layer of the tooth). A mold of your teeth will also be taken for the veneers to be custom made. Your teeth may be more sensitive,
so you may need to avoid hot and cold foods and liquids. Also, avoid eating hard foods, especially if you received temporary veneers.
Continue to brush and floss as usual but gently.
Your second visit will often last longer than your first and you may be given a local anesthetic depending on the sensitivity of your teeth.
The veneers are then applied to your teeth with an adhesive. A bonding light dries and hardens the adhesive. Next, your veneers are polished to blend
with your other teeth. About one week after you have your veneers, you will need an evaluation visit to ensure that your veneers are properly placed.
Do veneers need special care?
You should care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth. Follow the tips below to ensure that your veneers last:
Brushing
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid harming veneers.
- Gumline should be cleaned gently and carefully.
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Flossing
- Floss daily between all teeth to remove plaque.
- Floss may be hard to slide between teeth because of small amounts of leftover cement. Ease, don’t force the floss, between teeth.
Eating
- Be careful when eating hard foods because they can damage veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, but you may still want to stay away from red wine, coffee, tea, berries, and especially tobacco.
Factors to consider
Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth. But they may not be right for everyone. Below are the things to consider before deciding on veneers.
Your dentist can also answer your questions.
- Veneers can cost between $500 to over $1,000 per tooth. Check your insurance to see whether they cover veneers.
- Veneers can’t be repaired when they crack or chip. They must be replaced.
- The color of veneers can’t be changed once they’re in place. Also, veneers don’t always match your other teeth, although your dentist will make every effort to make a match.
- If you have untreated decay (cavities) or periodontal disease, you will need to have these treated before getting veneers.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, you’ll probably be advised against veneers because of the risk of cracking or chipping.
- Your teeth can still decay even if you have veneers. You will need to maintain good oral hygiene.
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