FAQ: All About Veneers
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that are made to look like natural teeth. Made of either porcelain or composite resin material, they are placed over the front part of the tooth. Both types have their own benefits and your dental professional will help you choose the material that is best for you.
Why choose veneers?
Veneers are an option for those who want to improve their smile. They are a solution to whiten your smile, fix minor cosmetic problems and replace damaged enamel. Veneers can help with teeth that can’t be whitened with bleaching, chipped or crooked teeth, and uneven spaces (such as a large gap between the upper front teeth).
How are veneers placed?
At your appointment, your dentist will remove a small amount of the tooth enamel to allow veneer placement. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken to be sent to the laboratory. This way, the dental veneer can be made to fit the tooth and mouth. Lastly, the veneer is bonded to the tooth with resin cement.
Are you a good candidate?
In order to have veneers placed, your teeth and gums must be healthy (no disease or decay). If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may advise against veneers because they are thin and may break. A night guard while sleeping may be an option to fix this issue. Lastly, it’s important to remember that the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed. So be sure to discuss all your expectations and treatment options with your dentist.
What are the drawbacks?
Because veneers can chip under pressure, take extra care to avoid biting fingernails or chewing on hard objects (like ice). Other drawbacks include: they can be costly, some people experience increased tooth sensitivity and veneers are permanent (cannot be reversed). So again, you’ll need to be absolutely sure be sure you make your decision.
Above all, if you are considering veneers, we recommend make an appointment with your dentist to find out if dental veneers are an option for you.
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