Veneers- All you Ever Wanted to Know About Them

If you’ve seen those pearly white, and perfectly even celebrity smiles, and you’ve wondered at your poor genetics, wonder no more.  There are very few celebrities who are lucky enough to have both good looks and good teeth.  And many times, it will take a lot more than repeat whitening treatments and maintenance to get those flawless smiles.  Many of those beautiful smiles are enhanced by veneers, which are an excellent way to cover stains and correct minor misalignments.  If you have ever felt self-conscious about your teeth and it has prevented you from smiling widely, here are a few things to consider about veneers..

• What are Veneers?

Veneers are wafer thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the outer portion of your front teeth (or the teeth that show when you smile).  These porcelain veneers are customizable and can reflect light in a way that gives your teeth a very natural, yet brighter appearance.  Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are worn down, broken, or chipped/cracked as well as the size, shape and length of your teeth.  They can  pretty drastically affect your smile line and over all appearance, as well. (Google image some before and after pictures of veneers to see how much they can affect your look.)

• Reasons for Getting Veneers:

1. If you have teeth that are discolored, very yellow or grayish yellow, you may have an intrinsic or internal stain and bleaching may not work to whiten your teeth.
2. Teeth which are worn, chipped, or cracked

• Irregularly shaped or sized teeth

1. Misaligned teeth
2. Teeth with minimal gaps between them

• Reasons for NOT Getting Veneers:

1. If you want to drastically change the shape teeth that have had extensive damage. These teeth may need dental crowns.
2. If you have a severe crowding or a crooked dental arch or badly aligned teeth, or very large gaps, you should opt for braces or clear correct (invisible braces).

• If you have severe issues with grinding or clenching your teeth.

1. If you have decayed teeth and or suffer from untreated periodontal disease.

• What is the Process of Getting a Veneer?

1. Before any work can be started, you will first need to visit your dentist @ Garden Oaks Dental for a consultation. They will evaluate how much preparation may be needed before the veneers can be applied. This will  depend on many things such as the amount of gaps, crowding, face shape, gum shape, etc.. but usually about half a millimeter (or the most minimal amount of enamel will be removed when preparing your teeth for veneers.  A local anesthetic is used to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Other options to make your visit less anxious are also always available at Garden Oaks Dental so ask your dentist about them. 
2. Once your teeth are prepared, an impression will be taken and sent to our amazing dental lab. Temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth and after a couple of weeks, you will return to check on the fit of your teeth, and to make any adjustments needed before your veneers are bonded on your teeth. In most instances, you will leave our office with your new beautiful smile on that second appointment date.

5.)  What do I do to Maintain my Veneers?

Most veneers last for 5-10 years, however they will last even longer, if enough care and maintenance is given.  You still must brush and floss properly as you would your original teeth.  You should also make sure you visit the dentist regularly every 6 months for professional maintenance.  If you do have a tendency to clench your teeth, or if you want to protect your investment, it is also a good idea to get a relatively inexpensive nightguard to wear at night to protect your veneers.

6.)  Common Myths about Porcelain Veneers - Busted:

Myth #1 Veneers often look fake and unnaturally white - This is not true - most modern veneers can be beautifully customized to match the shape, thickness, translucency of your natural teeth.  Your dentist will advise you of the best shade based on your goals and your complexion.  The trick to avoiding “ chicklet-like” teeth, is to resist the temptation to go too light.

Myth #2  Most of the tooth is filed down in preparation for a veneer -This is not true- Very minimal preparation of the tooth is done for veneers.  Usually only a half of a  millimeter is removed during the process.

Myth #3 You only need veneers on the very front top teeth – Though this is often the case (your social six top teeth are the most commonly veneered), you can have other teeth such as your premolars and lower teeth also veneered to achieve a better esthetic, if deemed necessary.

Myth #4 The veneer process is a painful process – We will carefully numb all the area to be treated with topical anesthetic before we administer local anesthetic.  This will minimize any discomfort felt during the procedure.  Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is also an option to calm and soothe the patient

Author

Rubina Zaman, DDS Dr. Zaman provides care for the entire family ranging in age from 3 months to 90 years old. To improve her skills and treatment options for her patients, Dr. Zaman regularly attends continuing education courses, especially in orthodontics and other teeth-straightening options such as Invisalign® and ClearConnect®. She enjoys watching her patients leave the office with a big, beautiful smile.