Dental veneers can transform your smile from dull to dazzling, without the need for surgery. However, it’s important to know that getting veneers is a permanent decision. Although you may need to replace the veneers in time, once you have them, you will need veneers forever. Read on for everything you need to know about dental veneers.
Step By Step Guide: Dental Veneers
Dental veneers bond custom, shell-like coverings made from either composite or porcelain to your existing teeth. The process of getting veneers will require at least three dental appointments with an experienced cosmetic dentist.
At your first appointment, your dentist will provide a comprehensive exam to confirm that you are a good candidate for veneers. They will evaluate the imperfections you wish to correct, and confirm that you are free of active infections, gum disease, or any other oral health condition that would rule out veneers as an option for you.
At your second appointment, your dentist will prep your teeth for veneers. This requires removing a very thin layer of tooth enamel, to create space for the veneers. Once the teeth are prepped, you will undergo painless digital imaging tests that your dentist will use to design your veneers. These images will then be sent to the lab to create your custom veneers.
At your third appointment, your custom veneers will be bonded to the teeth. The veneer will cover the entire front surface of the teeth, and wrap slightly around the edges of the teeth. Your treatment will be complete.
Imperfections Porcelain Veneers Can Correct
Veneers can correct numerous imperfections with your teeth and smile such as:
- Yellowed or stained teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth (small teeth)
- Small gaps between teeth
- Worn teeth
- Dull teeth
Caring for Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are intentionally stain-resistant and cavity-resistant. However, it is important to remember that they are bonded to natural teeth. Therefore, you must maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, and see your dentist twice yearly once you’ve received your dental veneers.
You should avoid the following once you’ve gotten veneers
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes
- Toothpaste with abrasive ingredients (charcoal, baking soda)
- Hard foods (ice, hard candies)
- Chewing on objects (pens, fingernails, etc)
- Using your teeth as tools (removing tags, opening bottles)
- Grinding your teeth (if you grind or clench, you’ll need a custom night guard)
- Smoking, vaping, or smokeless tobacco
Although your veneers are stain-resistant, you should also limit or use a straw when drinking coffee, red wine, and brightly colored juices.
Replacing Your Veneers
Deciding to get veneers is a permanent decision, as you’ll have a very thin layer of enamel removed from the teeth to accommodate the veneers. In time (generally 10 years or longer), small chips or cracks, a traumatic injury to one or more veneers, or gum recession may make it necessary to replace your veneers. The replacement process is similar to your initial treatment. You’ll have your veneers removed, your teeth prepped, images, and return to the dentist to have your new veneers bonded to the teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Veneers
Do You Offer Financing for Veneers?
We gladly accept payment via third-party financing, such as CareCredit, which offers no-interest and low-interest financing options.
Will I Need Anesthesia to Receive Veneers?
Veneers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment. Local anesthesia may be used to temporarily numb areas in the mouth, but the treatment does not require general anesthesia.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Veneers in Pomona or Brooklyn, NY
At A&R Dental, our experienced cosmetic dentists have successfully placed dental veneers for countless New Yorkers. To learn if dental veneers are right for you, schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.