What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Having a smile that you are proud of is important. In fact, your smile is a big part of the first impression you make on others. But what do you do if good oral hygiene and getting regular dental cleanings aren’t enough to give you a smile you are proud of? There may be things you want to change about the appearance of your smile that go beyond routine care. There are many cosmetic dental treatments available that can help enhance the appearance of your smile. For example, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution to fix broken, discolored, or oddly shaped teeth. Below is more information about porcelain veneers and how they work.
How Porcelain Veneers Work
Veneers are a perfect solution for difficult to correct aesthetic issues such as discoloration, unwanted spacing or gaps, and teeth that are odd shapes and sizes. Additionally, a porcelain veneer could be a great fix for a tooth that is broken or cracked. But how do porcelain veneers work to fix all of these issues? Veneers are custom-made porcelain covers that are attached directly to the front or top of the existing teeth, therefore they can fix any aesthetic issue and provide a customized appearance.
The Veneer Process
Once you have decided to get porcelain veneers you are one big step forward to having your new and improved smile. But what does the full veneer treatment process involve? Veneer installation occurs in several steps:
- At the first visit, the dentist will prepare the teeth for the veneers. This involves reshaping the existing teeth and removing a layer of the tooth enamel so that the veneers will fit securely. Despite how uncomfortable it sounds, this step is usually fairly painless.
- The next step is for the dentist to take measurements of the teeth so that the veneers can be custom-made. These measurements include taking an impression of the teeth to send to the dental lab. The dentist will also make sure the veneers will match the shade of the natural teeth.
- Once the veneers have been made, it is time for the installation. Prior to bonding the veneers to the teeth, the dentist will clean, polish, and prepare the front of the teeth by etching the surface with an abrasive liquid. This helps to make sure that the veneers bond to the teeth successfully. The last step is applying a bonding cement onto the surface of the teeth and securely placing each veneer on to each tooth. Once the cement has dried the process is complete.
Post Veneer Installation
Immediately after having veneers installed, it is a common for patients to experience some tooth sensitivity. Many patients with new veneers report experiencing sensitivity when they are consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This discomfort usually goes away after a few weeks. If you have had veneers installed and are experiencing sensitivity that has lasted more than a few weeks, you should contact your dentist and schedule a check-up.
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