What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is simply a thin covering that makes a tooth appear whiter and with a better shape. Although veneers can enhance the look of the teeth, poorly fitted ones can lead to jaw pain. Consult a cosmetic dentist in Rockwall, TX for proper fitting veneers.

Definition of Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of special material that cover the front part of the teeth to improve their appearance. The material used to make veneers is either porcelain or composite resin.

Porcelain (ceramic) veneers appear more realistic and have better durability than composite resin veneers. However, the porcelain veneers also cost more.

It's worth noting that veneers are a permanent oral treatment, and it's impossible to change their color after application. (1)

Who Might Want Veneers?

In general, veneers are used to enhance the overall look of teeth rather than to correct any damage. You may want to get dental veneers if your teeth are:

• Discolored
• Crooked
• Widely spaced

Note that you can only undergo a veneer treatment if your teeth and gums are healthy. The veneers might not be ideal if you usually grind your teeth, because doing so can crack them. (2)

What Happens During a Veneers Treatment Procedure?

Procedure for porcelain veneers: The dentist starts by removing a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to prevent the veneer from sticking out. He or she might give you a local anesthetic for the treatment. After that, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth, and the mold will be taken to a lab where your veneer will be created. In the meantime, you may be given a temporary veneer. For the second session, the dentist will ensure the veneer fits properly and looks good. From there, he or she will then set bonding cement using a light beam.

Procedure for composite resin veneers: The procedure takes only one visit. Your dentist will apply the composite resin to your tooth in layers and harden every layer with a beam of light. Lastly, the tooth will undergo some shaping and polishing. It can feel uncomfortable, but fortunately, it is not painful.

What to Expect After the Procedure

The dentist might ask you to come back later for an inspection of the gums and the state of the veneers. You need to take care of your veneers just as you do with regular teeth by:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene habits
• Brushing and flossing every day

Additionally, you should avoid biting hard food or your fingernails because that may lead to veneer chipping.

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last for about 7-15 years before you need a replacement. Composite ones have a shorter lifespan.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Veneers

Dental veneers simply help to improve the appearance of the teeth. They are a great solution for people who have stained, oddly shaped, chipped, or widely spaced teeth.

The risks of getting veneers are very low. But some patients might experience:

• Pain in the jaw and misalignment of the bite
• Veneer cracking or chipping
• Tooth sensitivity because of the removal of some enamel
• Shrinkage of the gums, which may expose the veneer margins
• Veneers stay white as the neighboring teeth experience discoloration

What are the Possible Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

The most obvious alternative to dental veneers is to stay with natural teeth just as they are. However, if you desire to make some alterations, here are the possible options:

• Undergo bonding using composite resin to fix a small part of a tooth
• Get a crown to cover a chipped or decayed tooth
• Choose to bleach to make your teeth whiter

All in all, before you choose a dental treatment option, please consult a qualified dentist first.