Dental veneers are very thin shells made from porcelain or resin composite materials that cover the front surface of the teeth to enhance its appearance. They are glued and bonded to the front of the teeth to give the desire color, shape, size and length.
They are used to fix discolored, strained, worn down, chipped, broken or irregularly shaped teeth. Sometimes they are used to treat gaps in between teeth. Basically any problems with the appearance of teeth can be fixed using veneers.
• People with gaps in between teeth
• People who have broken, chipped, crooked teeth
• People who have discolored, stained teeth
• People who have irregularly shaped, misaligned teeth
• People who would like to enhance their smile and correct any problems with the appearance of teeth
In order to get dental veneers, a few trips to the dentist may be necessary. First the mouth and teeth are examined. X-rays will be taken and 3D imaging will be done. Impressions of the mouth and teeth will be made in order to get the perfect fit.
Then the surface of the teeth will be shaven and reshaped to preserve the original thickness of the teeth even after the veneers are put in place. Then the dentist will make a model of the teeth and mouth to be sent over to the laboratory in order to produce the veneers. This process takes a few weeks during which the patient’s teeth will be covered with temporary veneers.
Once the actual veneers are ready, the teeth are prepared by cleaning and polishing them so that the bonding process goes smoothly. Then the veneers will be put in place with a special cement whose chemicals are activated with a special light in order to make it permanent.
Dental veneers are very practical because they do not require any special care after they are put in place. You may need a day or two to get used to new feeling in the mouth which will go away fairly quickly. The only thing to make sure is that you follow good oral hygiene and take care of your teeth in general. Flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash will help keep the mouth clean.