A straight, beautiful white smile is within your grasp, and it does not require invasive techniques or harsh bleaches. Dental veneers are a fantastic choice for patients who may have minor cosmetic imperfections in their smile, helping to restore their teeth and their confidence.
If you have stains on your teeth, mild gaps, or superficial chips or cracks on your teeth, you may be a good candidate for
dental veneers. We here at Summercrest Dental have fit many patients just like yourself with dental veneers, giving them a brand new smile without any discomfort or fuss.
What Are Dental Veneers and Why Do I Need Them?
Unlike
crowns or
implants, dental veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that rest directly over your teeth. To have a veneer placed, we start by removing a thin layer of your tooth to fit it. That means that they are a permanent fixture in your mouth and are not reversible. Fortunately, if you take good care of your veneer, you can expect it to last up to twenty years, making it a worthwhile investment in your smile.
You can expect to have your veneer placed in one or two appointments. During the procedure, we may begin with local anesthesia to prevent discomfort. Then we will clean your tooth and shape it (filing it down a little) to prepare it for your veneer. We will take an impression and digital x-ray of your tooth to ensure a proper fit, then we once your veneer is ready, we will affix it to your tooth with cement. Finally, we will cure it for a minute with a special light to make sure it is secured properly to your tooth.
The benefits of veneers are numerous. Because they are custom fit to your tooth, they will provide your stained or damaged tooth with a beautiful new appearance. If your teeth have stains and discoloration that resists
whitening, veneers can cover them. It can also help with small gaps between your teeth and minor cracks. If your enamel is worn down, veneers can also help reinforce fragile and sensitive teeth. While veneers are no replacement for more intensive orthodontic treatment, for smaller cosmetic issues, they can treat a wide variety of concerns with little waiting or downtime. Results are almost immediate!
After Care for Veneers
Some people do notice a small amount of sensitivity after having a veneer placed. This is normal and will go away after a few days, but in the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To maintain your veneers, treat them as you would treat your normal teeth, taking care to brush and floss them. Brushing your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. Follow up your brushing with flossing and antibacterial mouthwash every night. Avoid foods that can stain your teeth and your veneers, such as coffee and red wine.
Veneers can be a fantastic option for many people, giving them restored confidence in their smile. If you have gaps or stains in your teeth that you would like to cover with veneers, or to learn more about how this easy and safe procedure can benefit you, please give us here at Summercrest Dental a call today at (503) 649-7701.
