Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells of tooth-colored medical-grade porcelain that are attached to the surface of your teeth to cover up dental imperfections such as gaps, uneven tooth alignments, cracks, chips, discoloration and worn out enamel. They rank among the most popular modern treatments in cosmetic dentistry.
The veneer procedure – a step-by-step guide of what to expect
Once deemed a qualified candidate for veneer treatment, you will be taken through a series of sub-procedures performed over at least two office visits. The appointments are comprehensive and will require several hours of preparation.
The examination and preparation phase of the treatment is vital in detecting any oral concerns that may need addressing before the main course. Your dentist will involve you in choosing the right veneer color for your teeth from a shade chart. Treatment will begin immediate preparation is completed and the customized plan has been designed.
During the actual procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth and the area surrounding it using a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable as he/she works on you. Your tooth will then be reshaped using a bur to ensure the veneer fits perfectly on it.
From this point, the procedure may vary depending on which material of veneers is being placed. For direct composite resin veneers, the dentist will apply the substance to your teeth, use a bur to shape it and use a high-intensity light to harden it. If necessary, more of the material will be added, one layer at a time, until the right shape has been achieved.
If your veneers are made of porcelain, your dentist will create an impression of your teeth which will be used to fabricate the veneers. The impression may have to be made in an outside laboratory.
Veneers could be the solution you’re looking for to correct the small imperfections on your teeth. Visit your dentist today to know if you qualify for the procedure.