Many celebrity smiles are due to dental veneers, and this is an extremely popular cosmetic dental treatment in Oshawa. Dental veneers can help to whiten and straighten teeth and hide minor imperfections such as chips or cracks. They can also close or reduce the size of unsightly gaps between teeth and create a more cosmetically perfect smile, for example, if you have one or two teeth that are worn, too short or not an optimal shape and size. However, it is important to understand how veneers work, what is involved with treatment and any possible risks so you can make a more informed treatment choice.
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain and are thin shells that fit over the front surface of teeth changing their appearance. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin veneers but tend to be far more durable and stronger, and they are resistant to staining, so that they will last longer. Usually, making and fitting porcelain veneers will require two or more visits to our dental office. However, sometimes porcelain veneers can be made more quickly using the latest CEREC technology in Whitby. Composite resin veneers, also called dental bonding, are applied directly to the surfaces of teeth, so this treatment can usually be completed in a single visit.
One important consideration is the preparation required for veneers. Porcelain veneers are typically 0.5 m thick, so they are very thin. Despite this, removing a small amount of tooth enamel is almost always necessary to ensure your veneers fit comfortably, look good and aren’t too bulky. Once we remove any tooth structure, the process is irreversible, as your tooth enamel will not grow back. This means you will always need to protect these teeth in the future, and you will need to budget for renewing your porcelain veneers every ten years or possibly longer, depending on how well you look after them. Composite veneers are less durable and will stain more easily, so they tend to need renewing more frequently.
Who Can Have Veneers?
A dental checkup is essential before you consider porcelain or composite veneers. When you visit Margolian Dentistry, our experienced cosmetic dentists can assess the condition of your teeth and gums. These must be healthy before you can get any cosmetic dental treatment. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, you must have these treated to ensure your mouth is healthy before veneers are fitted. If you clench or grind your teeth, a problem called bruxism in Ajax, you may be unsuitable for veneers as this habit can damage them. Bruxism tends to be a nocturnal habit, so it’s often treated with a custom-made night splint that prevents your teeth from contacting while you sleep.
Is Treatment Uncomfortable?
Your teeth may feel slightly sensitive for a few days after they are prepared for veneers, but this sensation should disappear. If we need to change the shape of your teeth in preparation for fitting veneers, we use local anesthetic so your mouth will be numb and you will not feel any pain. Once your new veneers are in place, they may initially feel a bit strange until you get used to them, which should only take a few days.
Caring for Veneers
Looking after veneers is easy as you can brush and floss them like your real teeth. It’s essential to follow a good oral care routine, combined with regular checkups and dental cleanings, to ensure your veneers last longer and remain looking good, protecting your smile and your dental health.