If you're tired of hiding your smile because of teeth that are chipped, discolored, or just not quite right, veneers could be the solution you're looking for.
The Benefits of Veneers
Look
The most significant benefit of dental veneers is that they look and feel like your natural teeth. Patients can hide dental defects easily, and most people won’t even notice you’ve had dental work. The result is a beautiful, lovely smile sure to fetch a lot of compliments from friends, family, and colleagues at work.
Low-maintenance
Veneers are also very low-maintenance prosthetics. Patients only have to maintain their usual oral hygiene routine to keep their veneers in tip-top shape. This means brushing their teeth for two minutes twice daily and flossing them at least once every day. Patients must also visit their dentists regularly to maintain optimal dental health.
Stain-resistant
Lastly, veneers act as a protective layer against tooth discoloration. Your veneers will come in contact with pigments from foods and drinks. This means the pigments will stain your veneers instead of your actual teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and will retain their white appearance for years.
The Veneer Treatment Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan
The first step in getting veneers is consultation with a licensed dentist. Your Round Rock dentist will examine your teeth by taking X-rays and photographs, and conducting diagnostic tests before deciding on whether you're an ideal candidate for veneers. If you are, the dentist will create a customized treatment plan that contains details on the treatment timeline, procedure, and expectations.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation and Taking Impressions
The dentist will prepare your teeth for the veneers by shaving small bits of your enamel. Doing so creates room for the veneers, allowing them to blend with the rest of the teeth. After preparation, the dentist will use a putty-like substance or a digital scanner to take impressions of your teeth. The dentist sends these impressions to a lab to fabricate your custom veneers.
Step 3: Temporary Veneers and Veneer Placement
The dentist might give palace temporary acrylic veneers on your teeth while you wait for the real ones. After three to four weeks, the dentist will schedule an appointment to place your new veneers. The dentist will first place the veneers on your teeth and check how they fit and whether they match the rest of the teeth. The dentist will make any final adjustments at this stage.
Step 4: Veneer Bonding and Final Touches
If the veneers fit fine, the dentist will apply a mild acidic gel on the teeth’s surface to etch it and increase the surface area for adhesion. The dentist will then apply an adhesive (dental cement or dental glue) on the surface of the teeth before placing the veneers. Once placed, the dentist will use a special blue light to cure the adhesive material and polish the veneers to give it a natural sheen.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dental Issues Can Veneers Resolve?
Veneers can resolve issues like minor cracks and fractures on the teeth. Dentists also recommend them for hiding widespread staining on the teeth. They can also hide worn areas and lengthen teeth that appear shorter than the rest.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Yes, veneers are permanent dental devices that you can only install and remove with the help of a licensed dentist. However, veneers typically last for seven to ten years before you need to replace them.