Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth. They are similar to dental crowns, but while crowns are made to cover the entire tooth, veneers only cover the front of the tooth, so they do not require as much enamel to be removed.
In addition, veneers are usually only used for the front teeth. They are a very good choice if you have cosmetic issues with your smile, since they can treat almost any aesthetic problem with your teeth. This includes minor chips, gaps between teeth, serious stains, misshapen teeth, and more.
If you’re interested in veneers and are wondering if they’re right for you, the best way to find out is to contact Confident Smiles & Implants. Dr. Tori or Dr. Luis Mariusso can help you explore your options for cosmetic dentistry, and see if veneers are right for you.
First, you’ll need to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Luis or Dr. Tori at Confident Smiles & Implants. They will examine your mouth and explore your options for treatment, and help you decide if veneers are right for you.
If you’re approved for veneers, your treatment will take two more appointments, usually spread out over about 2-3 weeks. At your initial appointment, your teeth will be prepared for veneers. Dr. Tori or Dr. Luis will clean and numb your mouth, then buff away a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. This makes room for the veneers, and ensures they can bond properly to your teeth.
Then, you’ll have molds and images taken of your teeth. A dental lab will use this information to build your permanent veneers. In the meantime, Dr. Tori or Dr. Luis will attach a set of temporary veneers that will protect your teeth, and you’ll go home.
Once your permanent veneers arrive at our office in a few weeks, you will come back for your final consultation. Dr. Tori or Dr. Luis will check the fit of your permanent porcelain veneers, then bond each one in place using powerful dental cement. After this, your new teeth will be buffed and polished, and you’ll be sent home to enjoy your new smile.
The most important thing to do when caring for veneers is to brush and floss consistently. Brush 2-3 times per day for two minutes, and clean your teeth and veneers thoroughly. You also need to floss once per day.
You should also continue to see Dr. Tori and Dr. Luis every six months for regular checkups and oral exams. This ensures your mouth stays healthy. Beyond this, you can treat your veneers like natural teeth.
However, we recommend avoiding chewing non-food objects (erasers, fingernails, etc.), biting hard foods like popcorn kernels with your veneers, and using your teeth to do things like open packages or remove corks from bottles. This could result in damage to your teeth or your veneers.
Veneers usually last between 10-20 years, which is longer than most other cosmetic dentistry treatments. You can enjoy your results for years to come.
Your veneers will be totally indistinguishable from natural teeth. They will look natural to others, and feel natural when you eat, speak, and chew.
Just maintain good at-home oral hygiene. As long as your teeth stay healthy, your veneers will, too. They’re even stain-resistant, which helps keep your smile bright.