With more people taking interest in looking better and making their smiles more pleasing, cosmetic dentistry is growing in popularity. Numerous procedures can make your smile more appealing, but porcelain veneers are one of the most popular. An unattractive smile can lower your confidence and self-esteem, but veneers can help you gain these important feelings back.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure that can correct:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Stained/discolored teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Smaller-than-normal teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
Because porcelain is a thin material that can match the natural color of your teeth, it is often used in dentistry. Furthermore, porcelain veneers are quite durable and can last for several years if you properly care for them.
What Can I Expect from a Porcelain Veneer Procedure?
Getting porcelain veneers is a pain-free procedure that requires only one or two visits. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
Will I Need Sedation?
You will require a sedative only if your veneers need to extend under the gumline, which is a sensitive area. However, you can request sedation if you have a dental phobia that makes you anxious during dental care.
Selecting a Shade
Your dentist will choose a porcelain shade that is as close to the natural color of the surrounding teeth as possible. He or she will also determine which areas of the laminae need to be translucent for the treated teeth to look more natural.
Tooth Trimming
Prior to applying the veneers, your dentist will trim the tooth or teeth that need cosmetic treatment. The reason for trimming your teeth is to adjust the enamel layer so the veneers can be placed properly. If your veneers need to bond to any teeth with old fillings, it’s best to get a new filling before the veneer procedure. This will make bonding the veneers more successful.
Teeth Impressions
After tooth trimming and cleaning surrounding areas, your dentist will take an impression of the teeth needing treatment, along with your gums and neighboring teeth. This process involves applying a thick paste to your teeth and having you bite into a tray to lock the impression. Some dentists will also take a picture of your teeth for further reference.
Temporary Veneers (If Needed)
Because it takes a week or two to prepare the porcelain veneers, your dentist may apply temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready for application.
Evaluating the Fit
Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will place them for accuracy. This is an important step as even the slightest miscalculation can lead to bigger problems. Therefore, your dentist may place, remove and trim the veneers multiple times to get the perfect fit. Each time, you will bite down, close your mouth and move your jaw slightly to ensure there is no discomfort with the veneers in place. If you feel any discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to tell your dentist immediately.
Bonding to the Teeth
Once your dentist evaluates the fit, as well as the shade, shape and aesthetics of your veneers, they will polish both your veneers and the original teeth. Then, they will etch an acid gel onto the surfaces of your teeth for about 20 seconds to create a surface that’s bondable. They will then wash the gel away and place a bonding agent on your veneers to tighten the bond.
Next is pressing the chosen shade inside the veneer, followed by passing a blue light over the porcelain to finalize the bonding. Once the procedure is done, your dentist will clean and floss your teeth as a final touch.
Porcelain veneers are a common, pain-free cosmetic procedure that our expert staff at Comfort Care Family Dental can perform to help you have a more attractive smile. For more details about veneers, contact us for a consultation.
