Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right for You

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The custom-fit shells can improve your looks. Each one can even provide support for your teeth. Here are the questions to ask your cosmetic dentist to find out if getting veneers will be a good decision for you.

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

These thin shells go on the front surface of teeth. The cosmetic dentist will shave off a thin layer of the enamel to give more space for the veneers. Doing so can also roughen the surface of the target teeth. This will let the veneers attach better. Once ready, the shells can provide the following benefits:

• A cosmetic dentist can use dental veneers instead of crowns.
• Porcelain veneers imitate the texture and appearance of natural teeth.
• The patient can choose the right kind of white shade that will look natural.
• These shells are resistant to stains from dark-colored foods and drinks.

How long is the treatment?

It may take two to three dental visits to complete the treatment. Ask the cosmetic dentist about the timeline before anything else. A consultation is necessary to get the patient’s records, as well as assess the patient’s facial structure. This will ensure the right look and fit of the shells.

The second visit will take longer. This is when the cosmetic dentist will prepare the teeth. This will be over about three weeks after the consultation visit. The dentist will shave off a thin layer of the front side’s enamel. Taking impressions of the treated teeth will help the lab create custom shells.

The third and last appointment will take place two to three weeks after the second appointment. The patient will have the final fitting of the shells. Cementing the veneers on the prepared teeth will happen once the fit is correct. The cosmetic dentist will use a curing light to fix the shells on the teeth. Shaping and polishing the teeth will follow.

Does the process hurt?

This is a good question to ask the cosmetic dentist before the treatment. The dentist will prepare the teeth by shaving off a thin layer of the enamel. Research shows that most patients have mild to no pain from this treatment. If the patient has second thoughts, the cosmetic dentist may administer a local anesthetic before the treatment begins.

Are these restorations ideal for the patient’s situation?

Dental veneers can last for a long time with proper care and maintenance. It is a good alternative to crowns and teeth whitening treatment. For crowns, the cosmetic dentist will need to shave off a significant amount of dental structure. For teeth whitening, the patient will need touch-ups. Here are the top candidates for dental veneers:

• People whose teeth are not sensitive
• Those with mild tooth decay
• People who do not have bruxism
• Those who understand that this form of dental restoration is permanent

Do veneers need replacements?

Clinical studies reveal that dental veneers can last for at least a decade. A high level of care can make them last for up to 20 years. The patient must remember that these restorations are permanent. The cosmetic dentist may orient the patient about possible shell replacements because of wear.