Dental Veneers FAQs: Ask a Cosmetic Dentist

Whether teeth are stained or cracked, dental veneers are commonly used to help improve the appearance of a patient’s smile by restoring the teeth. This dental treatment option can be the solution for a number of cosmetic issues.

Common questions about veneers

These are a few of the most common questions that dental patients have about veneers.

What are dental veneers?

A veneer is a thin and tooth-colored shell, typically comprised of porcelain or composite resin, that is customized to fit over a tooth. They are used to improve the overall appearance of a patient’s smile. The shells have a natural appearance and can be used to fix many dental issues. These are a few of the most common reasons veneers are needed:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth that are crooked
• Stained and discolored teeth that are unable to be whitened

What is the procedure like?

The procedure is normally done in a few visits. During the preliminary appointment, X-rays are taken. Next, the dentist will remove a bit of the tooth enamel to prepare for the application and take an impression of the teeth. Depending on which material is used, the veneers can either be applied immediately in the office or sent off to a lab for creation.

A special cement is applied to hold them in place and an ultraviolet light is typically used to help the cement harden. After the veneers have been placed, the dentist will verify that both the fit and color are correct and may want to do a follow-up to check on the placement of the veneers to be sure there are no bite issues.

What are veneers made of?

There are two main types of materials used in the creation of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Both materials are durable and long-lasting. Porcelain tends to last a bit longer and is slightly stronger. Due to the translucent nature of porcelain, this material can be more closely matched to the actual appearance of the enamel on teeth. It is also unlikely to stain or chip.

Composite resin veneers are typically a more affordable option. They can normally be done in one visit and are created in a dentist's office, while porcelain usually must be sent offsite to a lab for creation and may take several days to come in. Composites often require less extensive tooth preparation than porcelain.

Do they look natural?

Both porcelain and composite resin veneers have a natural appearance that matches the look of real teeth. These materials are both effective options to improve a patient’s smile.

Conclusion

Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells created to help enhance the appearance of the teeth and overall smile of dental patients. Veneers are a great option to help patients who have chipped, uneven or stained teeth. The procedure is usually easy and, regardless of the material, patients can feel confident in having a restored smile that is likely to last for years.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.

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