Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: Dental Veneers Procedure

When someone’s smile is suffering from dark, dingy, broken or chipped teeth, the answer could very well be the application of dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting solution to many dental issues when other options are not practical. They can also be used to correct cosmetic concerns when no underlying problems exist.
Questions to ask a cosmetic dentist
In order to determine whether to have porcelain dental veneers applied, most people need more information before they make the decision. Below are the answers to questions people commonly ask cosmetic dentists before beginning the process.
What are some reasons individuals might need dental veneers?
Veneers can provide a good solution for people who have damaged teeth. Examples of conditions that the application of veneers may address include chipped chewing edges, broken teeth, cracked teeth or teeth with worn enamel that are susceptible to decay. There are many cosmetic concerns that veneers can improve as well, including uneven tooth length, deeply stained teeth or unsightly gaps between teeth.
What is the process for applying dental veneers?
In order to prepare a tooth to receive a porcelain veneer, the dentist must complete several essential steps first. To start, any cavities in the tooth are filled and if needed, a root canal is performed. The surrounding natural teeth are whitened before matching a veneer to their color. The dentist then files away the surface to make it small enough for the veneer to line up with the other teeth. The surface of the tooth is etched with phosphoric acid, cleaned and coated with cement, and the veneer is pressed into place. A special light is used to cure the cement, and the edges are cleaned up to complete the process.
Are there eating restrictions after the application of veneers?
A patient receiving one or more porcelain veneers should be aware that the way the teeth bite together may feel slightly different. It is a good idea to eat softer foods until this biting and chewing become familiar. Hard foods that could chip, damage or pry a veneer loose should be avoided. Such foods may include tough jerky, popcorn, shelled sunflower or pumpkin seeds, hard nuts and candies. In addition, habits such as crunching on ice, biting or chewing fingernails, chewing on pencils or using the teeth to tear open packages should be discontinued immediately.
How should persons care for dental veneers?
Patients should care for porcelain veneers the same way as natural teeth. Using a soft brush and good toothpaste, teeth and veneers should be brushed twice daily. Careful flossing will also help prevent cavities from forming between teeth, which can allow weakening of the tooth behind the veneer. In addition, the surrounding teeth may need to be whitened intermittently to maintain a good match.
Conclusion:
Dental veneers provide a viable option for covering teeth that have chips, stains, discoloration and other unsightly blemishes. Whether an individual is considering veneers or other treatments, it is important to consult a cosmetic dentist for an examination and evaluation to learn which alternatives provide appropriate solutions.
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