Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin custom-designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They correct cosmetic concerns such as chipped, worn down, crooked, uneven or misaligned teeth.
Traditional dental veneers Raleigh NC require extensive prep work that may include removing enamel. However, no-prep veneers are available to address minor cosmetic concerns.
Preparation
If you’re considering veneers, meet with your dentist to discuss your smile goals and determine if they’re right for you. They’ll examine your teeth and gums and recommend the type of veneer that suits you best.
A dentist can make veneers out of composite resin or porcelain. Porcelain is a more durable option but requires a slightly more invasive tooth preparation process. Composite veneers are less expensive and can be reversible.
During veneer prep design, a medium grit rounded-end bur is used to uniformly reduce the facial surface of the tooth by 1.0 to 1.5 mm. A 0.3-mm chamfer margin is created to blend into interproximal and gingival areas.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant but you should avoid foods that may discolor them such as berries, red wine and coffee. You should also wear a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night, and be sure to clean your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Design
Historically, esthetic restorations such as composite resin have been used to mask discoloration and improve the aesthetic appearance of unaesthetic tooth forms and positions [3]. However, these materials are susceptible to marginal fractures, discoloration, and wear that reduce their longevity.
Porcelain veneers have been shown to be more durable than their composite counterparts. Additionally, ceramic veneers exhibit excellent bonding to enamel and dentin.
Once the desired aesthetic is determined, the dentist creates a diagnostic wax-up that simulates the tooth form and contours to evaluate the proposed esthetic outcome. This model can also be scanned to produce a virtual mock-up and 3D smile design. This streamlined workflow allows the clinician to accurately predict the final aesthetic of the veneers and minimize the amount of tooth reduction needed.
There are limited clinical studies that have evaluated the influence of preparation design on the aesthetics and longevity of porcelain veneers. However, the use of a tooth preparation guide can significantly improve the aesthetic and functional outcomes of these restorations.
Placement
During the next appointment, your dentist trims away about half of a millimeter of your tooth’s surface to make room for the veneer. Then, they take a mold of your teeth that they send to the lab for custom-manufactured porcelain dental veneers Raleigh NC. This visit also includes etching the tooth, which prepares it for the bonding process.
When the veneers are ready, your dentist removes any excess cement and checks their fit and appearance. They can also polish the surface of the veneers to improve their luster. Typically, you can resume your normal activities after the procedure.
Maintain your veneers to protect your investment and ensure long-lasting results. Brush them twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food from between the teeth. Attend regular dental visits and follow any additional care instructions to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your smile will be healthy and radiant for years to come!
Maintenance
Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to check the fit, shape and color of the veneers. They will also remove any excess cement and check your bite.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits like chewing on hard objects and biting your nails can keep your veneers looking great for years. It is important to visit your dentist for regular checkups, so they can spot and treat issues like discoloration or chipping early on.
Veneers are considered cosmetic dental procedures and are rarely covered by insurance, but they can give you a confidence boost with a flawless smile. They are less invasive than crowns, and they can last for years with proper care. If you are considering dental veneers, consult with a reputable cosmetic dentist and discuss your needs and goals to determine if this is the best solution for you. Your dentist will help you choose the right color and shade to match your natural teeth.
