Dental Veneers FAQs
Before deciding to get dental veneers, you may have questions. We have answers to provide you with information before you schedule a visit for veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin porcelain shells applied to your front teeth to disguise the cosmetic concern you may have with your teeth.
Since veneers go over the front of the tooth, they can instantly change the tooth by correcting its shape or whitening. If you have a tooth that is discolored, chipped, or cracked, the veneer will mask it and give it a bright like-new appearance.
In addition, veneers can help provide an additional layer of protection while also securing the tooth together. In this way, you can think of veneers not only as a way to improve the look of the tooth but also to strengthen as well.
What Is the Process of Placing Dental Veneers?
Once you decide veneers are the best choice for you, and you’ve gone through all the consultations, you will have temporary veneers applied to your teeth. It takes several days to weeks for your permanent veneers to be made. When the temps are ready, your existing teeth will be shaped to allow the desired outcome.
Very little of each original tooth is removed. However, it does depend on the positioning of the teeth and the thickness of the veneers (in some cases, if you have discolored teeth, your dentist may decide to go with a thicker veneer).
When the original teeth are shaped to the necessary size, a digital mold of your teeth will be made. Temporary veneers will be applied to your teeth during this time. The temporary veneers look exceptional, and few people will notice. However, these teeth don’t have the intricate details of the real veneers. Temporary veneers are a great way to try out the new shape and size of your teeth. This is a way to make sure you like the changes before the permanent veneers are applied. When the new veneers are ready, you will go in to see your dentist, the temporary veneers will be removed, and the permanent veneers will be applied.
How Are Veneers Different from Crowns?
Veneers and crowns serve similar but different purposes. Veneers are cosmetic corrective pieces that fit over only the front surfaces of the teeth to restore the correct size and shape of a tooth. The porcelain material is durable to last for years but not strong enough for the biting surfaces of teeth.
Crowns cover the biting surfaces of the teeth. These often protect teeth that have had root canal therapy or other treatments that could weaken the tooth’s structure. Therefore, crowns serve as a restorative treatment compared to the cosmetic purpose of veneers.
Do You Need Dental Veneers?
Veneers are cosmetic covers for your teeth. These are highly effective solutions for problems with individual front teeth. Issues fixed with dental veneers include:
- Chipped teeth
- Individually stained or discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Too small teeth
- Improperly shaped teeth
The dentist will help you to determine if veneers are the best solution for your cosmetic dental goals. If you intend to have your teeth whitened, request to have the procedure done before getting veneers. Veneers and other dental fixtures do not change color during whitening procedures. The dentist will then match the color of the veneers to your newly whitened teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers can last for more than a decade, especially if you care for them properly. While durable, your veneers can crack if subjected to too much stress.
Avoid using veneer-covered teeth to bite directly into hard foods, such as apples or carrots. For these types of foods, cut them into pieces to allow you to chew them with your back teeth.
Continue to brush your teeth and your veneers with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Doing so can prevent stains on the veneers while keeping your teeth healthy.
Contact Cedar Walk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Veneers Ballantyne NC
If you need cosmetic dental services, trust our team at Cedar Walk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to provide you with the great smile you desire.
We offer top-notch dental veneers Ballantyne, NC, residents love. With customized veneers, you get a great smile with long-lasting correction of gaps, chips, and other cosmetic issues. Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation to see if dental veneers are the best choice to improve your smile.