What To Expect When Getting Veneers

If your dentist tells you that you are a candidate for having veneers placed to reconstruct your smile, you may wonder what the process entails. Dental veneers improve the visual appearance of teeth. Here is a run down of the process you will need to go through to prepare for veneer placement and how to take care of your new veneers after having the procedure done:

When Would You Get Veneers?

Veneers are usually not placed unless all other avenues for repairing your teeth are exhausted. Veneers cover discoloring and stains on your real teeth. They are also used to help fix the appearance of misaligned teeth. If you have cracks in any of your teeth, placement of a crown is a better choice as it will cover the entire tooth and will help to structurally support the tooth, making it stronger as a result. Veneers are usually only placed on the fronts of teeth.

How Are Veneers Placed?

When you have veneers made for your teeth, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to determine where the bones are located so the veneers will match up to the correct place over your existing tooth, giving you a natural appearance as a result.

Your dentist will have you look at sample colors and shapes to decide which would look best over your existing teeth. The veneers would be constructed at a laboratory outside the dentist office. After a few weeks they are sent to your dentist and are put into place at a separate appointment.

To place, your dentist will scrape away some of the enamel from the teeth being covered. This will help the veneers adhere properly. The veneers will then be cemented over the surface of your existing teeth. Veneers are a life-long commitment, as the teeth underneath are no longer be able to stand on their own once veneers have been used.

How Are Veneers Maintained?

When you have veneers placed on your teeth, cleaning and flossing procedures remain the same as with your real teeth. The only difference is that you will need to be careful about some of the foods you eat. Avoid consuming foods or drinks that are acidic, as they will stain the porcelain your veneers are made from. Porcelain cannot be whitened like your real teeth, so staining would remain.  It is recommended to avoid biting on hard items, as well, to avoid chipping your veneers.


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