If you have cosmetic issues with your teeth, dental veneers may be the best solution for you. In this post, we’ll talk about the reasons why dental veneers can be a good idea and whether or not you make a good candidate.
What Are Dental Veneers, and Why Are They a Good Solution?
A dental veneer is a shell made from resin or porcelain that attaches to the front side of your teeth. Each veneer is custom made to match the unique color of your teeth. You should consider veneers a permanent choice, since enamel must be removed for the veneer to stick to your teeth.
If you have the following dental issues, veneers may be a perfect solution for you.
- Chips
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Misaligned teeth
- Stains and discoloration
Qualities of a Good Dental Veneer Candidate
Good health. You need good overall health and good dental health to be a strong candidate for dental veneers. We’ll go into this in more detail below, but there are a number of dental issues that can preclude you getting veneers, or at least force you to put off getting them until you take care of those issues first. Additionally, there are certain general health conditions that make getting veneers a less viable solution.
Plenty of enamel. The best candidate for dental veneers has enough enamel to make a quality seal between the veneer and the tooth. If your teeth have a low amount of enamel, veneers simply may not be possible.
Dedication to oral health. Compared to regular teeth, dental veneers require extra maintenance. Because of this, you need to make a daily commitment to proper dental hygiene like brushing and flossing. If you are unable to do this, your veneers will end up being a waste – and could end up causing further oral health problems.
Oral Health Issues You Need to Handle Before Getting Dental Veneers
If you have any of the following oral health issues, you’ll need to get them treated before receiving veneers.
Bruxism
Grinding your teeth can remove enamel, which is essential for proper veneer adherence. Your dentist can create a custom-fit orthodontic device that will prevent you from grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Inflamed Gums
If your gums are pink or swollen, or if they bleed when you brush, you likely have an infection called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Your dentist can teach you proper brushing techniques and offer other treatments to eliminate gingivitis before you get dental veneers.
Tooth Decay
Since tooth decay creates holes in your enamel, it’s essential that you get cavities filled before you consider getting dental veneers. Know that a tooth must have enough enamel remaining after a filling before you can get a veneer.
What’s the Process If You Qualify for Dental Veneers?
Testing and Preparing
Your dentist will create a mold of your teeth to form temporary veneers. That way, you’ll be able to test them out and get a preview of how the actual veneers will look in your mouth.
If you like the temporary veneers, your dentist will take another set of molds along with X-rays and photographs. Your next session with us will involve removing some of your enamel in preparation for receiving the veneers.
Getting the Veneers
The second session will involve bonding the veneers to your teeth. It will require several hours of dental work. You will receive local anesthesia before your dentist begins. The veneers are bonded with a special cement, then secured in place with UV light for a long-lasting bond.
After You Have Your Veneers
It’s common to feel some tooth sensitivity for a while after your dental veneers are on. Most people get relief from over-the-counter pain killers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist can make small corrections if your sensitivity lasts longer than a few days after bonding. Expect your gums to be sensitive as well until they adjust to the dental veneers. After a month, your mouth should feel totally normal once more.
When you properly care for your dental veneers, they will last between 15 and 20 years. You will need to see your dentist at least twice per year for dental checkups and cleanings, as well as brushing twice per day and flossing once per day. The better job you do taking care of your dental veneers, the longer they will last.
Talk to an Experienced Florida Dentist About Dental Veneers
Your smile is one of the most important parts of your appearance. Dental veneers can provide a huge boost to your self-esteem by enhancing your smile, which will instantly improve your confidence. Getting dental veneers is an important decision that requires expert advice. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation to see if dental veneers are right for you.
