Also called porcelain veneers, dental veneers are thin shells that are customized for each patient to cover the front surface of their teeth to enhance the smile. Veneers are cosmetic and can fix many concerns, including discoloration, gaps, and size issues. Your cosmetic dentist in Plymouth will do a detailed exam and suggest whether you could benefit from the option. Here are some FAQs to know about dental veneers.
What are the different types of veneers?
Mostly, veneers are made of porcelain. However, there are also other options, such as Lumineers, which are thinner and less durable, requiring more frequent replacement. There are also snap-on veneers, which can instantly improve your smile and be removed easily. However, snap-on veneers can make it hard to talk and chew. If you have more minor issues like a cracked tooth, you can also get composite veneers. In recent years, no-prep veneers have gained popularity for treating gapped teeth. Evaluate every aspect of each option before choosing one.
What is the procedure for getting porcelain veneers?
Smile enhancement with veneers can be divided into the following steps –
- Exam and treatment plan: Your dentist will start with an initial consultation to determine whether dental veneers are right for your needs. They will also explain the pros and cons of options and the treatment plan, and if you have questions, they will also make time to educate you.
- Preparation: Your dentist will have to remove a part of the enamel to make room for veneers, and this step is a critical and irreversible one. It is common to numb the area before removing the enamel. The dentist will also make molds of your teeth and send those to a lab to order custom veneers. It can take up to four weeks for the lab to get the product ready. You may get temporary veneers for that time.
- Bonding: Once you are back at the clinic, your dentist will check the fit and color of the veneers and trim them as required. They will also clean and polish your teeth. Etching is done at this point to aid the bonding process. The veneers are then placed on the teeth with a special cement. The dentist will use a special light that will activate the cement chemicals for hardening. The final step is to remove excess cement, make adjustments, and check your bite. You may have to return for a follow-up checkup, where your dentist will reassess your bite.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Veneers look almost like your natural teeth and can fix a wide range of concerns. There are no concerns with regard to gums, especially with porcelain veneers. Veneers also don’t stain, and you can get a shade whiter that’s natural teeth. This cosmetic treatment is also particularly useful for patients who have extremely stained teeth that cannot be fixed with standard whitening procedures. While not permanent, porcelain veneers can last for as long as 15 years. 
What are the risks and concerns?
Getting veneers is a permanent procedure because once the enamel is removed, it cannot be undone. In terms of costs, the treatment can be expensive, especially when compared to composite resin bonding. Veneers are also irreparable. If they break, chip, or crack, you have to replace them. Some patients also experience more sensitivity after the procedure.
Meet your Plymouth dentist today
Cosmetic dental care has progressed immensely, and no matter whether you have gapped or cracked teeth, you have an option to correct these concerns. With porcelain veneers, the outcomes are excellent, and if you choose the right dentist in Plymouth, you will have little to worry about the success of the treatment.
