A good smile can go a long way. Most people define a good smile as one that is bright and white. The teeth should be straight and unbroken. While it is easy to define what a good smile is, it is not as easy to attain. Over time, a lot of things can happen to a person’s teeth. They can become discolored because of the foods that are consumed, because of habits such as smoking, or because of the aging process. Teeth can also develop gaps or they can become chipped, fractured or broken. All of these things, and others, can affect the appearance of the teeth. Fortunately, professional cosmetic dentists have tools that they can use to help with the appearance. One of those tools is dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are designed to fit over the teeth. They can be custom made to change the color, shape, size or length of the teeth. Basically, they can be made to completely change the appearance of one’s teeth. Veneers can either be attached permanently to the teeth or they can be affixed temporarily.
Veneers are typically made from porcelain or from resin. The porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining while the resin veneers can be made much thinner. When the veneers are put into place, they will be covering up any defects of the natural teeth. Veneers can also be used to change the style of a person’s teeth. The first use of dental veneers was actually in the movie industry to change the way the actor’s teeth looked for a specific role.
How do dental veneers work?
Once a person understands what dental veneers have to offer, they need to know how the veneers are made. A dentist will make an appointment to evaluate the patient. At this time the dentist will find out exactly what the person is hoping to accomplish with the veneers. The dentist will examine the teeth so the patient will know exactly what the dentist can and cannot accomplish with the veneers. This will allow the patient and the dentist to come up with a plan that is acceptable to both.
The next step is preparing the teeth for the veneers. This involves removing a small layer of the enamel of the teeth. The amount removed will be about the same as the thickness of the dental veneer that is going to be used. This procedure can be done using a local anesthetic. Once the enamel has been removed, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth. The impression will be used by a dental laboratory to make the veneers. This process typically takes one to two weeks to complete. It is possible for a dentist to use temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made.
When the veneers are ready, the individual will return to the dentist. At this time, the dentist will put the veneer in place and make adjustments to it to achieve the desired look. This can take several attempts to make the dental veneers perfect. Once both the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the fit, the teeth will be cleaned and polished. The last step is to etch the teeth. This will make the surface a little rough for better bonding. Cement is applied to the teeth and the veneer is put into place.
Once the veneers are in place and the glue is activated, the procedure is done. There may be some limitations on what a person can do with their teeth for a short time as the cement dries, and a follow up visit to make sure they are working properly will be needed. However, person will be able to enjoy their new look immediately, thanks to dental veneers.