Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that is used to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin material to correct issues like cracked or chipped teeth, or to improve the appearance of a patient's smile if they are self-conscious about the shape of their teeth.
Veneers are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth and most procedures address most, if not all of the front teeth to create a symmetrical smile and make chewing feel more natural. Depending on the material and maintenance, veneers can last up to 20 years.
Some Of Your Enamel Will Be Removed
Part of the dental procedure to receive veneers involves removing some of your natural tooth enamel. Removing the enamel allows for the veneer to correctly bond to the tooth. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during this stage of the procedure. Shaving down the enamel is a simple step and will not take long. It is important to note that once this enamel is removed, it can never be restored. Therefore, once the enamel is shaven, you will have to have veneers for the rest of your life to protect your teeth and avoid sensitivity issues.
Temporary Veneers Are Placed First
After your dentist has prepared your teeth and has shaved a thin layer of enamel off, they will place temporary veneers on the teeth using an adhesive. The adhesive used is not nearly as strong as what your dentist will use when you receive your permanent veneers. You will have these temporary veneers on until your custom veneers are finished. Since no two sets of teeth are alike, the veneers must be customized to your teeth for the best fit and function. Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will come back for a second appointment where they will be carefully installed using a stronger adhesive.
Brushing And Flossing Will Not Change
Getting veneers does not mean that you can skip flossing and brushing your teeth. It is still necessary that you take care of your gums and teeth to fight off oral infections and bad breath. You will still be at risk for gum disease and other tooth decay problems, therefore it is important that you still take diligent care of your oral health. Taking care of your oral health also includes regular visits to your dentist (once every six months) and visiting your dentist at the first sign of any problem pertaining to your teeth or gums.
Problems Veneers Can Fix
People choose to get veneers for a variety of cosmetic issues. Veneers are not used to fix dental problems such as tooth decay, unlike dental implants. Common fixes include:
Veneers have been popularly used by many famous individuals such as Emma Roberts and Zac Efron to give them their movie-star quality smiles. Not everyone is lucky enough to naturally have a picture-perfect, bright smile and therefore many people look to cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers to help them achieve the smile they have always wanted. The great thing about veneers is their ability to fix a multitude of cosmetic issues such as yellow, crooked teeth in just one single solution. Veneers will also help prevent future damage occurring to your natural teeth while giving you a picture-perfect smile.
Dr. Korol is a Calgary dentist who is renowned for her experience in installing and repairing dental restoration, including veneers, bridges, and implants. Call Dr. Korol Dental in SW Calgary at 403-245-9099 or fill out the online contact form to learn more about our dental services.
Q: Are veneers and dental implants the same thing?
A: No, they are two separate dental procedures. A veneer is placed on the front side of your natural tooth using a strong adhesive for cosmetic purposes. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are used for patients who are missing teeth or are suffering from chronic dental issues.
Q: How long do veneers last?
A: With proper care, veneers can last up to two decades.
Q: Will my insurance cover a veneer procedure?
A: Since veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they will not be covered by your insurance.
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