Dental Veneers Procedures
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain resin that cover the front of teeth. They are custom-made to reflect the color, size, and shape of each patient's teeth for a more natural look. Veneers are used to cover stained or damaged teeth, or to straighten crooked teeth in lieu of traditional braces.
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Diagnosis
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Many family dentists can apply dental veneers, or you can see a cosmetic dentist who specializes in this procedure. During the initial visit, or consultation, tell the dentist the look you hope to achieve, or the problems you want fixed. The dentist then will examine your teeth and probably take X-rays.
Preparation
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On the second visit, the dentist will administer anesthesia or sedative to prevent pain. Then he or she will shave away the front layer of enamel on the teeth, keeping their general shape and size the same.
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Making the Veneers
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Next, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth. This mold will be sent to a laboratory that specializes in veneer construction. Using the mold, technicians will create veneers in the size, shape, and thickness that will fit the contours of your teeth. This process usually takes between one and two weeks. The dentist also may apply temporaries to your teeth while the veneers are being made.
Bonding the Veneers
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Once the dentist has received the completed set of veneers, he'll bring you back for another office visit. The dentist will temporarily place the veneers on your teeth to check for color and fit. He can file or reshape them in his office, and change the color as needed using dental adhesives. Next, your teeth will be cleaned, dried and textured to help the veneers bond. The veneers are permanently bonded to teeth using a dental adhesive, which creates a strong hold quickly. Most veneers cannot be whitened, so the dentist will give provide an overview on how to avoid stains and keep veneers bright.
Follow Up
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Most dentists will ask their patients to return within a few weeks for a follow-up visit. They will make sure the veneers are properly bonded and aligned. Dental veneers typically last between five and 10 years, after which they will need to be replaced. Once veneers have been placed on your teeth, you'll have to continue with the veneers permanently, since the teeth's protective enamel has been removed.
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References
- Photo Credit Creative Commons, Caustgast
