If your teeth are slightly misaligned, damaged, or discoloured, dental veneers can change all of that and help raise your self-esteem. Veneers are thin shells that are applied over the natural teeth to give them a more uniform look. Read on to learn what is the process of getting veneers and what to expect from it.
Do you need dental veneers?
Patients often get dental veneers because they want to elevate their smile. However, other reasons for getting veneers can be enamel that has worn out naturally over time, stained teeth, unevenness, chipped or fractured teeth, gaps and spaces between the teeth, and more. Besides an improved smile appearance, veneers provide durability, and when considering crowns vs veneers, the latter requires minimal enamel removal, so your teeth don’t get too sensitive.
Still, not everyone is eligible to get the tooth veneer procedure done. If your teeth do not meet the standard, many things can go wrong, preventing them from looking and functioning properly.
That is why if you have one of the following conditions, the dental veneers process might not be for you:
- Chronic conditions like grinding and clenching
- Poor oral hygiene
- Severe crowding or malocclusion
Therefore, if such conditions are detected, it is best to try and solve them before finally getting the veneers process. Dentists will often arrange a preliminary appointment to assess your oral health and go through all of your treatment options to see whether you are a candidate for dental veneers (most dentists favour providing patients with the least intrusive choices.)
Veneers process: Preparing for veneers consultation
Generally, the veneers process can be separated into three main stages: consultation and assessment, tooth preparation, and application. Since the tooth preparation stage of the teeth veneers process is irreversible, it’s crucial to consult your dentist about any options that provide the same outcomes with little to no tooth structure removal.
Then you will usually get a complete evaluation of the treatment details, including preparing your teeth for your specific veneers process and what will be required for them to appear and fit appropriately. If, after the consultation, veneers are determined to be the best option, this is followed by the primary process of getting veneers.
This will also be the time when you decide how you want your dental veneers to look so that the treatment meets your expectations. Usually, you will discuss your choices for the form, length, width, and colour of the veneers, as well as the change in your smile’s look that you want them to produce. It is critical that your dentist is aware of your goals when you have a consultation about veneers, so be sure to communicate them. Additionally, during the consultation, you can inquire about the cost of veneers in Sydney to better understand the financial aspect of the treatment
How are veneers applied to teeth?
Once you have chosen the type of dental veneers you want, the main portion of the veneers teeth process can begin. Then how are veneers applied to your teeth?
Your dentist will likely first give you a local anaesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the preparation of your teeth and veneer application. Then, to provide the best fit, your natural tooth gets minimally prepared. The dentist uses a small, handheld, rotating cutting tool called a bur to slightly shave off part of the enamel. The tool allows for precise and minimal shaping of the tooth before placement and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Veneer application: Composite resin veneers
If you have chosen to get composite resin veneers on your teeth, your dentist will next apply the resin with the appropriate colour to your teeth, shape it, and solidify it with a high-intensity light. It may be necessary to add more composite layers to the veneer in order to give it the length, shape, and appearance that fits your smile. Once done, the veneers will be polished and finished with burs and polishers to provide a vibrant and realistic smile.
Veneer application: Porcelain veneers
If you decide to get the more expensive but also longer-lasting porcelain veneers, the dentist will first make a mould of your teeth. Then this impression of your teeth will be sent to get expertly crafted in a dental facility.
However, there are also some dentists who can provide restorative and cosmetic procedures more quickly since they have an internal dental laboratory and technicians. Also, other dentists may build the veneer in a single appointment thanks to chairside CAD/CAM technology.
Still, if you have to wait for some time until your veneers are ready, the dentist will often provide you with temporary snap on veneers. And since they are removable, it will not pose a problem when you finally receive your porcelain veneers.
Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will usually apply an acidic gel on each tooth surface so that the veneers can get quickly bonded. Similar to composite resin veneers, a special light will be used to speed up the solidifying process.
Are veneers placed during one day?
Depending on the type of dental veneers you choose, it may be possible to get through the process of veneers application in one day. Most times, especially in the case of porcelain veneers, this depends on if the veneers will be created in-house or at another laboratory. Another thing to consider is how many veneers you will get since each tooth needs to be slightly shaved.
Care after the veneers process
Veneers are strong and can survive for several years before they need to be replaced. Regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist and hygienist can be crucial to preserving the health of your mouth and the longevity of the dental veneers.
Post-procedure care is crucial, especially in the case of porcelain veneers. If the veneers have chipped or broken, they cannot be fixed and will need to be replaced. This will mean that you will lose money and time that could have been used more productively. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost of porcelain veneers in Melbourne, as it can vary depending on the dental clinic and other factors.
Avoid biting or chewing on hard items like nut shells or bones or opening and tearing products with your teeth if you want to limit the risk of damage. Additionally, your dentist might suggest that you stay away from specific foods that might also cause chipping
Use non-abrasive toothpaste while brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Veneers, including Ceramic Veneers, are extremely polishable. Therefore, there is very little chance that foods or drinks would stain them after the veneers process is complete. However, it is still recommended to clean your teeth after you drink red wine, coffee, tea, or soda.
Final thoughts
Dental veneers can be a great choice if you want to get the “Hollywood smile” of your dreams faster. Veneers are often a good option if you have staining, unwanted gaps, or even chipped and fractured teeth and want to get back your confident smile. The process of getting veneers includes consultation, preparation, and application. However, taking good care of your veneers is essential if you want them to last as long as possible.
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