What to expect during veneers placement

Dental veneers involve a custom process, and each veneer is personalized for the patient. Therefore, all our patients may have a slightly different experience, although there are certain steps in the process that are common. On the consultation visit, one of our cosmetic dental professionals can discuss your treatment goals, conduct an oral examination and explain all treatment options that are available. If you decide on veneers, then we can start the process with a dental impression, which is used to make the dental veneer in the laboratory.

We will likely need to prepare the tooth before we place the dental veneer, which typically involves removing a minor amount of dental enamel. It takes several weeks for the customization of each dental veneer, and we can schedule a time for veneers placement as soon as they arrive. The placement process is simple and non-invasive and only takes one session to complete. After placement, our cosmetic dentist will discuss and provide tips on how to care for dental veneers long term, along with arranging any necessary follow-up visits.

When to consider dental veneers

One of the biggest advantages of dental veneers is that they can address a range of cosmetic complications. Since each of the porcelain shells is tailored to fit the exact tooth it is placed upon, our cosmetic dentist team can use them to meet the patient’s exact needs, and they are a great way to treat the following concerns:

• Chips and cracks
• Stained teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth erosion
• Teeth gaps
• Crooked teeth

Dental veneers are one of the best ways to treat teeth damage, such as chips and cracks that can result from a blow to the face, a nasty fall or another type of accident. They can also treat teeth that are worn down and damaged by teeth grinding. Also, in instances where teeth stains are too severe to remove through professional, in-office teeth whitening, we may recommend dental veneers as an alternative way to treat discoloration. Dental veneers can also treat mild cases of crooked teeth or gaps between teeth, and they can provide patients with a more ideal teeth alignment.

For those who are trying to decide between dental veneers and dental bonding, veneers most often provide a more long-term solution. On your initial visit with us, we can discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks, along with the cost, for each available option to ensure that you are well informed and able to make an appropriate decision.

Aftercare tips following veneers placement

Dental veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, which is longer than dental bonding and similar solutions. However, the length of time that dental veneers last does depend on how well the patient cares for them each day. Fortunately, here at our cosmetic dentist office, we help patients through the entire treatment process, including preparing the tooth before veneers placement, the placement process and even aftercare to ensure quality results long term. Every patient has their own way of caring for veneers, but we encourage patients to do the following:

• Brush several times a day
• Use floss and mouthwash
• Limit harmful foods and drinks
• Limit the use of tobacco
• Visit the dentist regularly

Quality care for your dental veneers starts with good oral hygiene. Although the veneer itself is not at risk of erosion, the natural tooth is still there and might be vulnerable to oral health concerns. Additionally, a good daily oral care routine can prevent issues such as gum disease and ensure that the natural tooth remains strong. It is also best to reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that may increase the risk of oral health concerns, along with limiting the use of alcohol and tobacco as much as possible.