For a natural, even look to your teeth, veneers offer a long lasting solution. But what are they? What is the process? And how do you take care of them?

What Are Veneers?

Typically made with a porcelain or resin composite, veneers are thin shells that are bonded to your tooth or several teeth. They are a great option for anyone with chipped or broken teeth, gaps, worn down, or discolored teeth.

The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist in order to discuss whether or not they are right for you, and what you’re looking to achieve by getting veneers. If veneers are a good fit for your teeth, an impression will be made of your mouth and teeth so that custom-fit veneers can be made.

The next step in the process involves your dentist removing a thin layer of the tooth’s enamel, which will be the same width as the veneer. You may be given a local anesthetic during this process to limit the amount of discomfort. From the impression that was made of your tooth, the veneers will be made in a dental laboratory, which can take between two and four weeks.

When the veneers arrive at your dentist’s office, they will be temporarily placed on your teeth to ensure they are a proper fit and color. If any adjustments need to be made, the veneers can be trimmed as needed and the shade of the veneer can also be adjusted for an exact color match. When everything is set, the veneers will be bonded to your existing teeth with a special cement. The final steps of the process will be assessing how they look and feel when you bite down and removing any excess cement. You may need to return to your dentist for a follow-up visit to make sure that the veneers still feel ok and that your gums are still healthy.

Long-Term Care

You can expect that your veneers will last between seven and 15 years. Aside from regular oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, there isn’t any special care involved with veneers. Even though porcelain is stain-resistant, you may still want to avoid drinking dark liquids like wine, coffee, and tea.

If you think that veneers are a good fit, contact the team at M Dental for a consultation.