In the past, it wasn’t uncommon to see someone with one or more smile deformities, such as tooth chips or gaps. Most people didn’t think anything of it. Today, we have become much more aware of our flaws and, consequently, those of others.
This heightened scrutiny over appearance has been propagated by the celebrity culture, where even minor flaws are rarely tolerated. The one feature that demands the most attention when we interact in a social setting is undoubtedly our smile.
Although many of us engage in proper oral hygiene, things like stains, crowding teeth, tooth chips, and so on and so forth can detract from the overall beauty of our teeth. Despite advances in dental technology that have allowed for exciting treatments like tooth whitening and invisible braces, most people would be hard-pressed to find the time to complete these long treatments, let alone maintain the end results.
Many frustrated people have come to find dental veneers
Fortunately, many frustrated people have come to find dental veneers, which can correct a plethora of smile imperfections in as few as two appointments at the cosmetic dentist’s office.
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-like shells that are adhered to the teeth that create a flawless, long-lasting smile. These veneers, fabricated of porcelain or a composite material (much like the one used for white fillings), are bonded to the teeth once they have been adequately prepared. In order to achieve the best bond strength possible, a few millimeters of tooth enamel must be removed.
The reduction in tooth structure also keeps the veneers from appearing too bulky. If you aren’t particularly comfortable with having your teeth filed down, consider getting Lumineers. These are very thin veneers that can be installed with no drill work (provided that certain conditions are met).
Unlike the case with conventional veneers, your teeth can be restored to their initial state if you are dissatisfied with the results. The tooth preparation phase typically takes place during the first appointment, as most dental laboratories require at least a week to fabricate a set of veneers. When the cosmetic dentist has finished shaping your teeth, they will be outfitted with temporaries, and a mold will be sent off to the lab.
The second and final appointment for dental veneers tends to be much less anxiety-ridden since drill work is no longer needed. The cosmetic dentist will apply an etching solution to the teeth to provide the veneers an optimal surface to bond to, and afterward will apply the bonding gel to the veneers in preparation for fitting. A special light will be used to complete the bonding process, after which any bonding agent that has escaped from under the veneers is removed.
This step must be conducted very thoroughly
This step must be conducted very thoroughly, as any seepage that is not caught can stain later down the line, making for an aesthetically displeasing effect. The cosmetic dentist must pay particular attention to the spaces between the teeth, as excess bonding agent can interfere with flossing and other forms of dental hygiene.
As advantageous as dental veneers may sound, they come at a steep cost. You should expect to reasonably pay anywhere from $1,000 upwards per tooth. If installed by a competent cosmetic dentist, the veneers should easily last ten or more years with proper care on your end.
Always keep up to date with your dental visits after getting outfitted with veneers, as your teeth will be more susceptible to decay due to the loss of tooth enamel. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about products he or she recommends to avoid having to get the veneers re-polished because of dulling caused by abrasive toothpastes. As a prudent patient, you will be very satisfied with your veneers.
