Like many others, you may not be pleased with the aesthetics of your smile, and while that is completely normal, you should seek help from a qualified dentist. There are several treatments in cosmetic dentistry that you can consider, and veneers are one of them. If you are stepping into a Kokomo dental office for the procedure, here’s what you need to know.
Know the primary facts
Dental veneers are made of porcelain (typically) and customized for each patient. These look like thin shells that are bonded to the frontal surface of teeth to enhance their appearance and color. Your dentist will consider all relevant aspects of your oral health to determine if you can benefit from veneers. In many cases, this could be a better alternative to crowns. Veneers are not permanent, but the procedure is. Your dentist will need to remove a part of the enamel to make room for the shells, which is an irreversible process. Also, like most restorations, veneers must be replaced after a few years.
Are veneers right for you?
For many patients, the main objective is to get a uniform, white, and clean smile. Porcelain veneers can also help fix misshaped, gapped, and crooked teeth. If you have extreme staining and cannot benefit from regular teeth-whitening procedures, your dentist may recommend veneers.
A guide to the procedure
You will need to see your dentist at least twice to get dental veneers. During the first appointment, the dentist will check whether you can get veneers, and if everything is in place, they will initiate the process. It starts with cleaning the teeth and buffing the enamel, following which the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send the molds to a dental lab to order custom shells. You can discuss the color you want for your veneers. On your next appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and use special products to set the thin veneers in place.
Does getting veneers hurt?
The short answer is no. While you may experience some sensitivity after your teeth are buffed, no pain is involved. Your dentist may use local anesthesia before the first step to avoid discomfort. Make sure to keep with oral hygiene habits as suggested by your dentist.
Done right, the procedure of fixing veneers doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable and has a high success rate. Make sure you understand the pros and cons of considering the decision.
