What are Veneers?

If your teeth are cracked, gapped, chipped, or stained, but you would like to avoid a scary invasive procedure, veneers are the perfect dental correction option for you. Veneers are simply a thin shield of material, either composite resin or porcelain, that is bonded to the front of the teeth. Veneers are able to recreate the natural appearance of the teeth while simultaneously providing strength and resilience similar to that of enamel.

Although veneers are not permanent, they can last upwards of 20 years, making them a long-term commitment. If you’re considering veneers, consult your local dentist to find out if veneers are right for you.

Should I Get Veneers?

Veneers are ideal for improving the appearance of front teeth, because the procedure is noninvasive and requires little to no anesthesia. Veneers are able to correct discoloration, fractures, gaps, chips, and stains. Like Invisalign braces and crowns, they are able to close small gaps and correct small misalignments. They are able to alter the color, size, and strength of a tooth without requiring drastic dental surgery.

However, dental veneers are not appropriate for all candidates. Situations which may exclude the possibility of veneers include:

• Unhealthy teeth which have been eroded by gum disease and decay
• Weakened teeth which lack the necessary amount of base enamel
• Teeth with a significant amount of tooth structure missing
• Teeth that are severely misaligned

Only a dental professional can determine if veneers are an appropriate choice for your particular teeth. To schedule an appointment with a dentist in the Greensboro area, contact us here.

Veneer Procedure

Typically, it takes three appointments to apply veneers. Your first appointment will be a consultation in which you discuss the option with your dentist. If you are uneasy about the procedure, you may want to request an additional consultation appointment.

If your choose composite resin veneers, your dentist will be able to sculpt and bond them on-site during your second appointment. However, the vast majority of veneers are porcelain, because they are more durable, more long-lasting, and more impervious to stains. To create porcelain veneers, your dentist will first take a mold of your teeth and send it to a laboratory for fabrication. This process may take several days or weeks, depending on the amount of veneers necessary. If your teeth are extremely stained or damaged, your dentist will be able to place temporary veneers during your waiting period.

During your second appointment, your teeth will also be lightly buffed in preparation for the veneers. Usually, one millimeter of the tooth surface will be removed. If your teeth are sensitive, this process may require local anesthetic.

When your veneers are ready, your dentist will carefully place each one over your teeth to verify that the fit and color match the original tooth. It is uncommon for a veneer to perfectly match the original tooth color; however, this is rare in natural teeth as well. When your dentist is satisfied with the veneer’s fit and appearance, he or she will cleanse your teeth and apply a cement bond beneath the veneer. Your dentist will then cure the cement with a light beam for 60 seconds. Finally, your dentist will finish and polish the edges of the veneers to make them smooth.

Veneer Maintenance

After just a few weeks, you will be able to enjoy a healthy, beautiful, natural-looking smile that perfectly imitates the appearance of your original teeth. For the first few weeks after your appointment, you may expect a brief period in which you will adjust to the unfamiliar sensation of your “new” teeth. You will then attend a follow-up appointment so that your dentist can confirm that the veneers are comfortable and stable. To maintain your veneers, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends simply brushing and flossing with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, just as you would your regular teeth.

Local Greensboro Dentists

Veneers are one of the best, least invasive ways to correct dental blemishes. To create a healthy, beautiful smile with veneers today, contact Friendly Dentistry today for a professional consultation.