What Are Dental Veneers?

Have you ever seen acrylic fingernails? If so, you have an idea of what dental veneers are. Dental veneers are similar in the way that they cover your natural teeth. They are mainly used for aesthetic issues, like noticeable stains. In this article, we will discuss dental veneers in more detail.

DO I NEED DENTAL VENEERS?

As mentioned above, dental veneers are extremely helpful to those who would like a brighter smile, but have discolored teeth. Dental veneers are useful in reshaping the way your smile looks as well. In addition, they can use dental veneers to close small gaps in your teeth. The dentists at Modern Dental Solutions in London, KY also make chipped teeth look complete again with dental veneers.

WHAT ARE VENEERS MADE OF?

Dental veneers are ideally made of porcelain, as it most closely resembles your natural teeth, is stain-resistant, extremely strong, and thin enough that you hardly have to remove enamel from your teeth during preparation. Because of the superior quality, porcelain veneers are more expensive than ones made of composite resin.

Composite resin veneers are the less expensive option, made of filling materials. They take less time to be fitted and are easily repaired if they are ever damaged. Porcelain veneers, however, can’t be repaired.

HOW ARE MY TEETH PREPARED FOR DENTAL VENEERS?

The team at Modern Dental Solutions will first assess your teeth to make sure you are eligible for dental veneers. If you have gingivitis, cavities, or any other dental condition, we will address that issue first before preparing you for veneers.

If everything looks great, Dr. Cynthia Couch will remove some enamel from your teeth to create space for your dental veneers. The thickness of the veneer matches the enamel removed from your teeth, usually less than half a millimeter.

After your teeth are filed down, we will take impressions of your teeth, either digitally or with dental putty. Dr. Cynthia Couch will send your mold to a dental lab where custom dental veneers can be created.

We will administer a local anesthetic to counteract any discomfort during the preparation process. Your teeth will be matched for color so that your veneers resemble the rest of your smile. We wouldn’t want the shade of your teeth to be noticeably different than your veneers. Would you?

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

The process of acquiring dental veneers will require at least two visits to Modern Dental Solutions in London, KY. During your first visit, we will prepare your teeth. We will fit your custom fabricated veneers onto your teeth during your second visit.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY VENEERS ARE FITTED?

After your dental veneers are fitted and cemented, the Modern Dental Solutions team may only make minor adjustments. We recommend waiting several days before having final adjustments, like polishing, so you can get used to your veneers.

HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

The lifespan of your dental veneers depends on how well you take care of them. They may last for several years if you are careful to prevent chips, cracks, and breaks. Talk to Dr. Cynthia Couch about how to care for your veneers to prolong their longevity, and what to avoid.

HOW CAN DENTAL VENEERS BENEFIT ME?

They can brighten your smile. Years of coffee drinking, cigarette smoking, and eating food with strong pigment can discolor or stain your teeth. Dental veneers can improve the color of your smile, and as they are significantly stain-resistant, they will require less work to maintain the brightness than your natural teeth would.

They can fix your minor cosmetic defects. Many people who wear dental veneers got them to fix cosmetic issues, like misshapen or chipped teeth. Dental veneers can improve the way your smile looks, as they fix these minor issues.

They can replace your damaged enamel. Several factors can wear down the enamel on your natural teeth over time, such as years of exposure to acidic drinks and food. Enamel erosion makes your teeth vulnerable to various issues, like discoloration and tooth sensitivity. Dental veneers cover this area, leaving you with stronger teeth.

WHAT ARE MY RISKS?

Keep in mind that the process of receiving dental veneers is invasive. Once we remove the enamel to make space for your veneers, we can’t restore it, which makes this process irreversible.

In addition, developing sensitivity in your teeth is more likely with veneers. By removing the enamel from the tooth’s surface, we reduce the thickness. This allows for the softer dentine to be closer to the surface of your teeth, and they may become sensitive to temperature and pressure.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Call Modern Dental Solutions or schedule an appointment so we can answer any questions you still have about receiving dental veneers. Consider your benefits and risks carefully and make an informed decision about if dental veneers are your best option, or if we can help you find a better solution. Our Facebook page has some great oral health solutions until we see you for your next visit.