Veneers

Most people have something about their smile that they don’t particularly like. Whether it’s stained front teeth, a large gap between the two front teeth, or another common cosmetic issue, dental veneers are a simple way to disguise the problem. Veneers in Avon, OH can give you the smile you have always wanted before you know it.

What is a Veneer?

A veneer is a thin, translucent, customized shell that fits over the top of a tooth to disguise a dental imperfection. Veneers are most common on the front two teeth, but they can blend in with any tooth that shows when you smile. Since the back teeth don’t show, people are typically less concerned with aesthetics and only have necessary procedures performed on those teeth.

Veneers Are Usually Permanent

Although it seems hard to imagine going through the process of having a dental veneer placed and then wanting it removed, it does happen. The reason removing a veneer is challenging is that most people need a small amount of tooth enamel removed first to ensure that they have enough room in their mouth to hold the veneer in place while closing their mouth comfortably.

Without removing the tooth enamel, the tooth with the veneer protrudes further than the others and oral hygiene becomes challenging. Patients usually have one-eighth of a millimeter or less of tooth enamel removed.

What to Expect When You Receive a Veneer

The most important thing to us at Weston Dental is that you feel comfortable during every procedure. After you take a seat in the dental chair, your dentist or an assistant numbs the area where you need to have tooth enamel removed. While the process typically causes no distress, we want everything to go well from the start.

Once your tooth feels smooth and dry enough, your dentist applies the adhesive backing onto your veneer and places it on your tooth. You will need to sit in the dental chair for several minutes as the liquid hardens and begins adhering to your tooth. Your dentist helps the process along by shining a curing light on your tooth. When the veneer is firmly in place, the final step is for your dentist to trim away any excess material from behind the veneer.

Caring for Your New Veneer at Home

You should continue to brush and floss as normal, especially around your treated tooth. Proper oral hygiene is necessary to make sure that your veneer lasts as long as possible before you need to replace it.

You also want to avoid certain foods that could stain your veneer or force you to repeat the process. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all risky to consume, and it’s a good idea to stop smoking before you even have the procedure. If you smoke while wearing a veneer, it could become stained with tar and tobacco just as your regular teeth can.

Dental veneers typically last around a decade before you need to replace them. Besides avoiding certain foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits, you also need to be careful about using your teeth for anything but eating. Even chewing an ice cube or pen cap could damage your veneer and cost you more money than you were planning on spending.

You May Need Other Dental Work Done First

The first step when you are interested in cosmetic dentistry is to schedule an appointment to learn if you are a good candidate for it. Your dentist will ask several questions about your general and oral health, including past surgeries, medications, chronic health conditions, and current medications.

Your initial consultation also involves X-rays and a visual inspection of your teeth, jaws, and gums. We may need to delay veneers in Avon, Ohio if you have other oral health concerns that take precedence. For example, you may need braces to correct poor teeth alignment or to have a cavity filled. Your dentist will let you know the findings and next steps for you to follow.

Although dental insurance companies usually don’t cover cosmetic procedures, it never hurts to ask. Some will provide at least partial coverage if you are requesting the veneer due to trauma to the mouth or having an oral health condition.

Sources:

healthline.com