Many people aren’t too happy with how their smiles look and often wonder if there’s a solution that can create a total transformation. Today, Accent Smile Center can provide some answers if you’re asking this question: How can veneers enhance my smile?
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be made out of either porcelain or resin composite materials and are used to address a series of issues, including:
- Discolored teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
- Teeth with gaps between them
How Veneers Work
There’s a fairly routine process we use for most patients when it comes to veneers, with incredible results every time:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: As with any cosmetic dental procedure, you’ll start by meeting with Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, or Dr. Noble for an assessment of your situation, as well as to discuss goals you might have for treatment. We’ll usually take x-rays and impressions of your teeth.
- Preparation: Contrary to popular belief, we only remove about 0.5 to 1 millimeter of enamel from the teeth, which is roughly the thickness of the veneer itself. Once removed, a mold is made and sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are custom-made.
- Dental Lab: Skill technicians will create your veneers over 1-2 weeks, usually. These are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Porcelain is a material that we use, as it mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth and gives them a realistic appearance.
- Bonding: Once the veneers are ready, there’s a multi-step process for application.
- Etching: The tooth surface is cleaned, polished, and etched to create a rough surface for a stronger bond.
- Cementation: A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed on the tooth.
- Curing: A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed on the tooth.
- Final Adjustments: Any excess cement is removed, and your doctor will check your bite and make final adjustments to the veneers needed.
- Check-Ups: A follow-up may be scheduled to ensure that the veneers are properly placed and to check for any issues with the gums or the fit of the veneers.
FAQs About Veneers
In terms of how veneers can benefit you and your smile, here are some additional answers!
Q: How long do veneers last?
This will depend on a few factors, including how well cared for they are, but porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years.
Q: Do veneers require special care?
There aren’t any special practices required beyond good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular dental checkups with your Accent Smile Center team.
Q: Is the process of getting veneers painful?
The process is generally not painful, no. Local anesthesia is used to numb the surrounding area during enamel removal. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity afterward, but this typically subsides within a few days of treatment.
Q: Are veneers reversible?
It’s definitely important to know that this is not a reversible process since enamel is being removed from the teeth.
Q: What’s the difference between veneers and crowns?
Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, and crowns are used to restore function and strength to a damaged or decayed tooth.
Q: Will veneers affect my speech?
There may be a short adjustment period where you might notice some slight changes in your speech, though this is true of many dental treatments. You should be able to adapt fairly quickly. Veneers are designed to be comfortable and natural-looking so that any impact on speech is usually minimal and temporary.
Q: Can my veneers be whitened?
Veneers themselves cannot be whitened. If you want to whiten your teeth, it might be wise to do so before getting veneers. If your natural teeth change color over time, your veneers might no longer match perfectly, and you may need to replace them or have a touch-up procedure.
Q: What happens if a veneer gets damaged or falls off?
If a veneer falls off or gets damaged, contact Accent Dental Center immediately. We can usually reattach it or create a new one for you. The critical thing to remember is that you should not try to repair it yourself, as it will almost certainly make the situation worse.
Stepping into Your New Smile
We’re proud to offer veneers, as well as many other types of cosmetic dentistry, in our office. You can always be assured of absolute excellence when we work on your smile! Please feel free to reach out to us at our Dickson and Belle Meade offices.