A dental veneer is like a mask for your tooth. While your tooth remains healthy and functional, a veneer – a thin, customized, tooth-colored shell – covers the front portion to change the tooth’s appearance. Sometimes veneers are used to restore the function of a tooth that has been chipped or cracked, but other times they’re purely a cosmetic choice. Why do people get veneers?
Why Do People Get Veneers?
On a very basic level, people typically get veneers because (1) their dentist recommends veneers due to a dental issue or (2) they wish to improve their smile. They can be a functional or a cosmetic treatment – or both! The following are common reasons for people to choose to get veneers:
- Discolored or Stained Teeth: Teeth whitening is typically the first recommendation for people with stained teeth, but if you haven’t experienced much success with teeth whitening treatments, veneers may be an ideal solution. You can finally have those pearly whites you’ve always dreamed about!
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are slightly crooked, veneers may be used to immediately fix the issue. They can help with crooked, uneven, and irregular teeth as well.
- Broken, Chipped, Cracked, or Worn-Down Teeth: Did you recently experience an injury that caused your tooth to break or become chipped? Or maybe your teeth have become worn down due to bruxism? Depending on the condition of the teeth, your dentist may recommend veneers to restore your smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth: While some people love their natural tooth gap, others wish to remove such a gap for functional or aesthetic reasons. If you’re interested in mending the gap between two teeth, ask your dentist if veneers would be a good fit.
Veneers are beloved for a variety of reasons. Not only do they mimic the appearance of natural teeth, but also they can make your teeth appear whiter and resist staining. Gums tolerate the porcelain material well, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort or irritation, and veneers don’t require any special care. Simply brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and schedule regular dental appointments – as you should have been doing already!
How Do Veneers Work?
To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of each tooth. This makes room for the veneers so that they don’t feel bulky or look unrealistic. After that, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth so that customized veneers can be designed and manufactured in a dental laboratory. While you wait for your veneers to be manufactured, you will receive temporary veneers to protect your teeth.
Your dentist will consult with you regarding the color of the veneers. If you’re receiving a large set of veneers, so matching with existing teeth isn’t a major concern, you may wish to go a little whiter than your natural teeth. But if you’re only receiving one or two veneers, you will likely want a color that matches all of your other teeth so that it blends in well.
At your second appointment, your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth and check their fit and shape. Tiny adjustments may be needed to ensure a perfect fit. After that, your dentist will clean your teeth and bond the veneers to your teeth using dental cement. If you find that the veneers aren’t quite comfortable in the days that follow, you can schedule another appointment for further adjustments.
_____
Are you interested in using veneers to revamp your smile? If you live near Springfield, Missouri, visit Wilkinson Dental. We are committed to your comfort and proud to offer a relaxing office environment while providing the care you need for a happier, healthier smile. If you’re ready to set up an appointment or if you have questions you’d like to go over first, please give us a call at 417-708-0556 or click here. We look forward to hearing from you!