March 29, 2024

The 101-guide to dental veneers: Get that perfect smile

Cosmetic dentistry has made it possible to get the perfect smile you always wanted. Dental veneers are among the most common dental procedures done in the US, and it is absolutely safe for most patients. If you are visiting a family dentist in Springfield to discuss veneers, make sure you discuss your concerns. Below we have discussed a few fundamental aspects of veneers. 

What are dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the frontal tooth to improve a patient’s smile. There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend veneers. For instance, if you have discolored teeth because of root canal treatment, medications, or fluorosis, you could rely on veneers to fix the aesthetic concerns. Veneers can also help fix teeth that are worn down, broken, or chipped. In some cases, veneers also help restore gapped and misaligned teeth. 

What’s the procedure like?

You may need three or more appointments to get veneers. The first one is for consultation. Your dentist will do a routine exam and ask relevant questions to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. It is possible to fix veneers on many teeth at once. Your dentist will also discuss the results you want to achieve with the procedure. If you are a good candidate, your dentist will take x-rays and make impressions of your teeth. Your dentist will then reshape the surface of the teeth as required to make room for dental veneers. The impressions will be sent to the lab for creating custom veneers, and in the meantime, your dentist may fix temporary veneers. Once the final step is done, your dentist will share care instructions, and you may have to come back for a routine checkup sometime later. 

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

First and foremost, dental veneers offer a natural appearance, and therefore, most patients seeking aesthetic improvements would benefit from the procedure. Secondly, porcelain veneers are relatively resistant to stains. You can expect to retain the advantages of the treatment for a long time. Unlike crowns, there is no need for as much shaping with porcelain veneers. 

Final word 

There are also a few concerning aspects of porcelain veneers. For instance, your teeth may become more sensitive as the natural enamel is reduced. Talk to your dentist if there are concerns specific to your case. Done right, you could get a pearly-white smile with veneers, and the results are usually fantastic. 

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