Veneers can improve a patient’s smile in many ways by covering up imperfections in teeth with natural-colored shells. Staining on front teeth is one of the most popular reasons patients choose this type of restoration. People who have lived with discolored teeth can feel uncomfortable smiling in public, and other treatment options may not be as easy or effective as bonding these shells to teeth. Here is how this treatment can change the color of your teeth and improve daily living.
Getting veneers is a hassle-free process. Patients can easily schedule an appointment to get a brand-new look at any time, but there are some things to consider that may be worth discussing with a dentist first. Understanding how the process works and how the end result will change the color of teeth can prepare patients for what is to come.
Two materials are used to create veneers, porcelain, and composite resin, and each has its own pros and cons. Porcelain is the more durable of the two and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years after the initial application. The chance of it getting damaged is small, but it cannot be repaired if chipped and the entire shell will need to be replaced. Additionally, porcelain looks very similar to natural teeth and are stain resistant.
Composite, on the other hand, does not last as long, tapping out after around five years of use. Composite is easier to apply than porcelain and requires fewer appointments. If a composite shell cracks or chips, this can usually be repaired without replacing the entire unit. However, this material can stain over time.
Once it is determined that a patient is a good candidate for the treatment, an appointment can be scheduled. It is important to note that patients receiving porcelain veneers need two separate visits; the first visit will be to measure teeth, take impressions, and match color, and the second is to place the restorations.
To start the appointment, a dentist measures and removes a small portion of the front of each tooth to prepare for the placement of the shells. If patients are receiving porcelain, the dentist will take a mold of the teeth and send it to a lab where the veneers are made. It can take up to two weeks for the new shells to arrive, during which time the patient will get temporary ones.
The dentist then makes sure the coloration of the restorations is correct and matches the patient’s natural teeth. Patients getting a full-mouth restoration may choose a brighter shade. Then the tooth surface is roughened and the porcelain or composite is bonded on. The dentist may do some sculpting to make sure the smile is even.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in San Luis Obispo, CA
Caring for veneers is as easy as keeping up normal oral hygiene routines such as brushing and flossing. With such an easy solution for discolored teeth, there is no reason not to talk to a dentist about this restoration process.
Request an appointment or call Mission Family Dental at 805-205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.
You can cover up imperfections in your teeth with dental veneers, thin shells of porcelain that fit over your teeth, and bond to them. Veneers can last for at least a decade, but they typically need to be replaced occasionally if a dentist must treat underlying tooth decay or gum disease. Veneers can also stain;…
For dental patients wanting minor corrections to cosmetic issues, veneers offer a quick and easy solution by covering the fronts of teeth with a thin shell. Placing these restorations is typically done in three stages and takes around three weeks. It is relatively simple and generally does not involve intense preparation on the patient's part.…
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. To maximize their effectiveness, patients should learn how to care for them. These appliances are used to enhance the appearance of the smile by covering flaws, such as broken, discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth. With proper care, such…