Dental Veneers FAQS
A smile is a great accessory, but when you have dental imperfections like discolorations or chipped teeth, it is not easy to show off your teeth. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic dental services that you can use to fix these minor dental problems, such as dental veneers.
Many people avoid seeking dental treatments because they believe they will undergo numerous painful dental procedures. But veneers are easy to fix and are painless. Before you get veneers near you, here is some information about the dental fixtures.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Teeth veneers are wafer-like, thin shields that sit on top of the teeth to change the teeth’ color, shape, size, and appearance.
What Types of Dental Veneers are Available?
Veneers are available in two versions; porcelain and tooth-colored composite. Porcelain veneers are the commonly used version because they are durable and stain-resistant. Plus, it resembles your teeth and creates a seamless look. However, it requires two dental visits to be fixed.
The composite veneers can be tooth-colored, but they are prone to stains and not as durable as the porcelain ones. However, these veneers can be fixed in one dental visit.
When Are the Veneers Used?
The dentist can recommend the teeth veneers to correct several dental problems like:
- Severely discolored teeth
- Worn down or chipped teeth
- Misaligned, uneven, and irregularly teeth
- Gaps in between your teeth
Veneers Vs. Implants and Crowns
Veneers, implants, and crowns are different, and they fix different dental conditions. Veneers are shells that are applied on top of the tooth (the enamel). Crowns fix almost the same problems as the veneers, but they encase the entire tooth, including the surface.
The implants are metal screws fixed on the jawbone to anchor the artificial tooth and replace the missing teeth. It is advisable to visit a dentist near you for more information on dental veneers, crowns, implants, and other dental treatments available.
What Are the Benefits of the Veneers?
Veneers offer several advantages:
- They resemble your teeth and provide a natural tooth appearance
- The gums tolerate them well
- The veneers preserve most your teeth as little enamel is trimmed off
- The porcelain veneers are stain-resistant
These and much other reason is why you should opt for dental veneers over bonding.
What are the Risks of Getting Veneers?
While they are effective and durable, dental veneers have a few cons:
- The veneers cannot be repaired if they are cracked or chipped. You will need a new set of shells.
- Although the dentist trims off a little enamel, the process is irreversible.
- Veneers may not match your natural teeth color to the point.
- The teeth covered with veneers can still experience decay.
- The veneers are not ideal for people who have unhealthy teeth.
How Are the Veneers Fixed?
Whether you choose composite or porcelain, the procedure is the same; only the timeline is different.
- Dental exam and planning
The initial visit involves an assessment of the teeth and gums. Our dentist in Baltimore, MD, will use an x-ray to examine the dental structure and gums for any decay. Next, your teeth are cleaned off any plaque buildup. The dentist will explain what the process involves, the benefits, and the risks.
Your teeth are prepared by trimming a small part of the enamel. The amount taken off will depend on the size of the veneers. If you choose composite veneers, the dentist will bond it immediately.
Since the porcelain veneers are created in the lab, the tooth extraction Baltimore will take a mold of your teeth and cover them with temporary veneers.
- Fixing of the veneers
The second appointment is set two to three weeks after, and it involves fixing the permanent veneers. The dentist will examine the color of the veneers and cement them in place using special cement.
The veneers resemble your teeth, so no special dental instructions are needed, other than maintain your standard hygiene practice.
Take Away
Veneers are durable and can last between 7 and 15 years. However, if you notice any cracks or chips on the veneers, visit Canton Crossing Dental veneers near you Baltimore, MD, for an assessment.