Dental veneers are a simple cosmetic procedure that can turn a smile you’re less than proud of into one you’re confident to show. Perhaps your teeth are smaller than you’d like or they’re discolored from years of stains. No matter what’s keeping you from smiling brighter, veneers can help.
Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin that are placed directly on forward facing teeth, and they are just one of the cosmetic dentistry options offered at Castle Dental to make your smile look its best.
Some patients prefer the way veneers look and opt for them simply because they want to improve their appearance.
Veneers cannot correct significant misalignment issues or severely broken or damaged teeth, and they are typically not suitable for people who clench or grind their teeth, since this can compromise the veneer. Also, if your teeth are very worn down from clenching or grinding, the veneers may not be able to adhere to the teeth, and you may need a different solution such as a crown.
Severe cases of gingivitis can also keep you from getting veneers, especially if it goes untreated. This is because the gums will continue to recede, revealing the edge of the veneer.
It’s important to note that, unlike natural teeth, dental veneers do not change shape or color over time, so while it’s possible to place just one veneer, your dentist will likely recommend that you have all 6-8 of the front teeth covered to keep the veneers from looking out of place and unnatural.
Veneers are a quick and easy way to improve your smile, but the actual process–which includes an initial consultation, creating your custom veneers in a lab, and the placement–-can take about 3 weeks and several appointments.
Getting veneers is a simple procedure that can be done right in your dentist’s office, generally without the need for sedation or even local anesthetic. The portion of the treatment process that brings the most discomfort is usually the removal of the enamel, during which you may experience brief moments of sensitivity if the grinding gets near the gum line.
If you have selected a thicker material for your veneer, your dentist may need to remove additional enamel, which could be uncomfortable and may require anesthetic. If for any reason, during your treatment you experience pain, let your dentist know right away. They will address the issue before returning to the treatment.
During the placement of the veneers, the only sensation you are likely to feel is slight pressure.
Veneers should be treated as any other natural tooth. They require twice daily brushing, once daily flossing and biannual trips to the dentist for professional cleaning. It’s important to remember that your natural tooth is still under the veneer, exposed on the back side. Your roots are still intact and the tooth is still vulnerable to all sorts of dental problems, so consistent and thorough maintenance is required to keep your veneers and your remaining teeth healthy.
Don’t go another day with a less-than-perfect smile. With multiple locations, convenient scheduling, and flexible financing options, Castle Dental makes it easy and affordable for you to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Visit us at CastleDental.com to book an appointment or consultation and start enjoying a brighter smile and better confidence.