Your smile is one the most important aspects of a great first impression. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 48% of American adults consider their smiles to have the most lasting impression.
You may not be giving the right impression if your pearly whites have lost their pearly shine.
Cosmetic veneers are a great way to fix stained or chipped teeth. However, it is important to understand the entire process before you commit.
Continue reading to find everything you need to know about veneers.
How do Veneers Work
Dental veneers, which are thin ceramic shells custom-made for your teeth, attach to the fronts. They can be applied in the same way as nail appliques, and can last decades if they are properly maintained.
The porcelain (or ceramic) material can be tinted to your desired shade of white. Modern technology has allowed veneers to have the same translucent quality of real teeth. This means that even bright white smiles look more natural.
Veneers are an excellent choice for those who want to preserve their natural teeth but require more than whitening. People with severe staining or chipping, short or mismatched smiles, wear and tear, or significant staining are good candidates.
What to Expect When You Get Veneers
Veneers can be done in two to three appointments and takes a few weeks.
The consultation begins with an initial exam and consultation. Your dentist in Turkey will assess your smile and make recommendations about how to proceed. You will need to have any fillings done or dental implants placed.
Next, your dentist will prepare the front of your teeth for veneers. They will shave a thin layer (less than your fingernail thickness) of enamel off your teeth. After taking an impression of your smile, they will create temporary veneers that will be placed until the permanent ones arrive. The trial period gives you the opportunity to test out your new teeth and make any changes.
After your final porcelain veneers have been sculpted you will return to the dentist to have the veneers applied. Your temporary veneers will be removed and a bonding glue applied to your smile. After the temporary veneers have been removed, a bonding cement is applied to your teeth. Your new smile will be ready!
Caring for your Veneers
After the procedure, your mouth and gums may feel sore and tender for several days. Some people may feel a little bit of tooth sensitivity after bonding cement is applied. This is normal and will resolve as your mouth heals. Keep some ibuprofen handy just in case.
The veneers should be treated just like regular teeth. Brush them twice daily, floss often and keep your smile bright. You should avoid eating anything that could cause damage to your teeth (ice chewers, take note). The longer your veneers last, the better you take care of them.
You can expect to keep veneers for 20 years. You will need a new set after that due to the wear and tear of your teeth. It is possible to replace a single tooth if it becomes damaged in an early stage.
Veneers make a good investment
Be sure to consider the cost before you decide to have veneers. Most dental insurance programs only cover part of cosmetic procedures. If you are concerned about your finances, speak to your dentist and discuss repayment plans.
However, you don’t necessarily have to use porcelain veneers on every tooth. Even if you have only one or two noticeable imperfections, veneers can be made that match the rest of your smile. They are often placed on the top of front teeth. This is because they are the most obvious when people smile.
Not all candidates are good candidates
Veneers can be one of the most straightforward cosmetic dental procedures. There are some factors that may prevent you from being a suitable candidate. These factors include:
Habitual grinding of teeth or jaw clenching
Tooth damage that is significant
Crossbite and underbite
Gum disease (recurrent or active)
Severe tooth crowding
Too many cavities, poor hygiene or bad oral hygiene
Labial version
If you have any one of these conditions, your dentist will discuss whether veneers might be right for you. You have many choices when it comes to improving your smile. So make sure to pick the one that is best for you.
Make sure to see an experienced dentist
Cosmetic dentistry is still a very serious field. Make sure you have your veneers installed by a skilled dentist. Some dental offices do not offer cosmetic dentistry. You might need to search around to find one.
Ask for a gallery of before-and after photos before you make a decision. Each dentist is unique, so make sure it matches yours.
You can also check out testimonials to confirm that you’re getting quality care. You can check out reviews online and ask friends and family for their recommendations.
Are Dental Veneers Right for You?
Porcelain veneers are a great option if your teeth are not looking their best. The procedure is quick and non-invasive, and can create a new smile in just 2-3 weeks.