What are Dental Veneers?

The dental veneers are sometimes also known as porcelain dental veneers or porcelain laminates. They are thin shells that are custom-made for patients to improve their esthetic appearance. The veneers are placed on the front surface of the teeth and are made choosing the color, which is nearest to the shade of your teeth as it helps them in blending seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They can also be made from resin composite, but the porcelain ones are more popular as they are stain-resistant and also have the light-reflecting property of natural teeth. However, the dentist can help in determining the best choice of material for veneers for you.

Issues Fixed by Dental veneers

• • • The veneers can help in fixing the discolored teeth. The discoloration may happen due to many reasons such as root canal treatment, smoking, excessive exposure to fluoride, and anything else.
    • The dental veneers help in offering a new look in case of the worn-down teeth.
    • Chipped or broken teeth can also be covered with dental veneers.
    • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth can also be camouflaged by dental veneers.
    • The gaps between the teeth can be addressed with the help of veneers.

Dental Veneers Procedure

• • • Consultation and Planning the Treatment

The first step is treatment planning. The dentist first has a look at your teeth and the dental issues that you are facing. You can also let them know about the kind of smile you want and ask them to show some before and after pictures of their previous clients. He will take some x-rays and discuss it with you about the treatment. The dentist may also take some impressions of your teeth and mouth.

• • • Preparing the Teeth for Veneers

The next step is preparing your tooth for getting veneers placed on them. The dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of the enamel from the tooth surface. He may administer local anesthesia before trimming off the enamel. Next, the dentist will take the model or an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab for preparing the veneers. It may take 2-4 weeks for you to get the veneers made. If required, the dentist in Katy, TX may place a temporary veneer.

• • • Fixing the Veneers

Before cementing the veneers on your teeth, the dentist will check the fit and size and make necessary trimming so that the veneers can fit well. Next, he will clean your teeth, followed by polishing and etching so that the surface can become rough for attaching the enamel. A special cement is applied to the veneers and then they are placed on the teeth. After placing the veneer, the dentist will show a special light for hardening the veneer. He will then remove the excess cement and examine your bite.

Benefits of Porcelain veneers

• • • They offer a natural-looking appearance to teeth.
    • The porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.
    • They don’t need extensive shaping.
    • The gum tissues have been observed to tolerate the porcelain well.
    • The color of the veneers can be selected in a way that you can whiten your teeth.

Taking Care of the Veneers

You must take care of the veneers just like your natural teeth. You must maintain the routine oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste for keeping your mouth free of decay and cavities. Make sure that the dental hygienist uses nonabrasive polish during the cleaning appointments. Also, wear a nightguard if you have a habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.