If you have discoloured or stained teeth and you long for a perfect, white smile, dental veneers could be the solution that you've been waiting for. So, what's involved and how can your dentist help you? Read on for an overview of everything you need to know about veneers.
What are veneers?
Veneers are porcelain or synthetic covers that are fitted over your natural teeth in order to even-out irregularities of shape and colour.
In general, patients have both lower and upper teeth treated. The number of veneers used will depend on how wide your smile is, but between six and ten veneers are typically fitted. If you look after your veneers, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend for regular dental check-ups, you can expect your veneers to last for at least ten years, before they may require replacement.
What's involved?
Before your journey to a brand new smile begins, you'll need to have your teeth cleaned and polished by your dentist. You will then need just two further visits to the dentist for the preparation and fitting of your veneers.
On your first visit, your dentist will discuss your requirements in detail. They will take photographs of your face and teeth so that you can be sure the finished result will look natural and will fit your facial conformation and also your skin colour. An impression will then be taken of your existing teeth. To do this, the dentist will ask you to bite down onto a silicone-filled mould. The process is totally painless and tasteless. This impression is then sent off to a dental lab, where your veneers will be created.
Your second dental consultation will be to have your veneers fitted. There's no need for an anaesthetic and the whole procedure is painless. The new veneers are simply fixed to your natural teeth with strong dental cement so that they will stay firmly in place. In most cases, the veneers are put in place and finished in under an hour!
Caring for your new veneers couldn't be simpler; you just brush and floss as you would do normally. There's no need to use special toothpaste or bleach.
In conclusion
If you have damaged or yellow teeth and you crave a perfect, white smile, veneers could be the answer to your prayers. Have a chat with your dentist or orthodontist about what veneers could do for you and for more information on the cost of having your smile upgraded.
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