Over time, our teeth can start to show our age. Yellowing is a common complaint, but you might also suffer from staining or other discoloration, as well as cracks, chips, wear and tear, and even broken teeth. Or perhaps you have unsightly gaps or overlaps where your front teeth are concerned.
There are many options to address cosmetic issues with your smile, but dental veneers made of porcelain or resin can provide an immediate and lasting solution that gives you the beautiful, perfect smile you crave. How are dental veneers applied to teeth? Here’s what you need to know.
Prep
Once you and your dentist have determined that dental veneers are the best solution to address your dental concerns, you’ll have to prepare for the procedure. In order to secure the thin shell of veneer material to your teeth without adding undue bulk, a small amount of enamel will have to be removed from the surface of the teeth to be covered.
Generally, the dentist will remove about 0.5 mm of tooth, which accounts for the thickness of the veneers to be affixed to your teeth. Local anesthesia ensures that you feel no discomfort during this procedure.
From there an impression will be taken and used to craft custom veneers. Fabrication could take a couple of weeks, but your dentist can provide you with a temporary veneer in the meantime.
Bonding
When your custom veneers are finished, you’ll visit your dentist for a second appointment to undergo the bonding process. First, your dentist will make sure the veneers are perfect by testing them in your mouth, trimming and shaping them, and determining which cement will be used to achieve the final color you prefer.
If you and your dentist are both satisfied that the veneers are perfect, the placement and bonding process will begin. First, your teeth will be polished and then etched to create a rough surface for more effective bonding. Then cement will be applied to the surface of your teeth and the veneers will be positioned.
When placement is just right, your dentist will use a light to cure the cement and complete bonding, after which any excess cement will be removed to complete your perfect, new smile.
Care
With proper care, including brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular dental visits, your veneers can remain bright, beautiful, and functional for up to 10-15 years. Dental veneers are durable and resilient, making them a great option to consider for anyone unhappy with their current smile.
