The concept of what is truly attractive may be subjective, but the perception that aligned and healthy pearly whites are beautiful is arguably universal. Today more than ever, people are invested in their appearance; that explains the rapid growth in the health and beauty sector. Most people are becoming increasingly mindful of the state of their teeth since it greatly impacts their smiles. Besides the aesthetic factor, beautiful teeth have various psychological benefits, including improved confidence. If you have dental imperfections like discoloration and gaps between your teeth, Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, may recommend veneers to transform your smile.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are thin coverings custom-made to match your tooth’s color, shape, size, and length. They are designed to perfectly fit over the front surface of teeth to cover imperfections and improve your appearance. Dental professionals use veneers to fix:
- Teeth discoloration due to excessive fluoride, root canal treatment, large resin fillings, stains from drugs, and other causes.
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
Types of veneers
Veneers can be made out of porcelain or composite resin; your oral health professional can help determine the suitable one for you.
Porcelain veneers require little enamel removal and resist stains better than resin veneers. They also give you a natural appearance since they better mimic the light-reflecting properties of your natural teeth. Resin veneers only require one visit for applications, so there is less prep work. They also offer a possibility of corrective intervention, which is impossible with porcelain veneers. However, resin veneers are fragile, and they can get discolored with time since they easily absorb pigment.
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Ideally, good candidates for veneers have minor cosmetic imperfections of severely stained teeth that don’t improve with whitening treatments. However, your teeth and gums need to be healthy to get veneers. Therefore, if you have cavities or gum disease, your dentist will recommend treating those problems before getting veneers. People with bruxism are not ideal candidates for veneers since these shells can crack or chip.
Dental veneer procedure
If you are considering dental veneers, you will require three visits to your dentist; the first is for consultation, and two are to make and apply the veneers. Consultation is essential to establish if you are an ideal candidate for veneers and what to expect after treatment. During a consultation, your dentist also discusses the benefits and drawbacks of veneers. During this appointment, the doctor also takes x-rays to impression your mouth and teeth.
If you are a good candidate for veneers, you will schedule another appointment, whereby the dentist prepares your tooth to receive the veneer. Before trimming the enamel, your dentist may numb the areas to eliminate any pain or discomfort. Next, your dentist makes a model of your tooth and takes it to a laboratory where your veneers are made. It may take up to four weeks before your veneers are ready; your dentist may give you temporary veneers.
During the last visit, your dentist examines the fit and color of the veneer before permanently cementing it on your tooth.
If you have severely discolored teeth, consult your dentist at DR.MICHAEL HOANG, DMD, to know how you can benefit from veneers.
