Porcelain Veneers

Before you get porcelain veneers, you will have to visit the dentist for a consultation. This step is followed by two other appointments in which the veneers will be made and applied to your teeth.

Many patients go to the dentist with an idea of what they want. The dentist will carry out a dental examination to ensure porcelain veneers are the right solution for your oral health and discuss the procedure with you. The dentist will also require x-rays.

In the preparation stage, the dentist reshapes your tooth or teeth’s surface to see how a porcelain veneer would fit over it. The dental veneers to be put in place are usually approximately the same size as the tooth surface that has been eliminated. This grinding of the teeth to a different size is vital because it allows proper placement of the porcelain veneers. Most of the time there is very little to no removal of tooth structure, as veneers are a very conservative procedure.

The dentist then digitally scans your teeth and sends them to a dental lab where the porcelain veneers will be made. The veneers are returned in about 2 weeks.
Typically, the dentist uses temporary veneers on your teeth before the permanent ones are returned from the lab.

Once the porcelain veneers are at the dentist’s office, the dentist will place the veneer on your tooth and examine the fit and esthetics. If it fits well, the dentist will go ahead to cement it onto your tooth. Sometimes, the veneer’s shade is adjusted with the shade of cement the dentist uses to bond the tooth.

The dentist then polishes and etches the veneer surface to allow proper bonding. Then the dentist places a special cement on the veneer and places it on the tooth. Once it is properly positioned, he/she shines a light beam on it to cause a hardening reaction. Any excess cement is then removed, and the dentist checks if your teeth need any adjustments as well as taking a post-operative radiograph to make sure any excess cement is removed.

The cosmetic dentistry process is complete when all these steps are done. However, your dentist may require you to come to the office and have your teeth checked after a few weeks.

The Cost of Dental Veneers

Applying dental veneers is considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies. As such, veneers are not covered by insurance. The costs vary depending on your dentist, the veneer type and brand, and the area you live in. North Point Dental Associates will work with you to ensure that you do not make a trade-off between quality and affordable prices.

After –Care

The recovery time after the application of veneers is short. You may feel the veneers feel rough after application, but this is just residual cement that will eventually wear down. However, dental care during this time and after is pertinent.

Ensure that you brush and floss regularly, just as you would your normal teeth.

Also, avoid chewing hard foods and objects such as pens and fingernails. Avoid using your teeth for tasks such as opening packages or bottle caps. Also, avoid chewing or biting with your front teeth and cut food into pieces where possible.

It is advisable for those who experience bruxism to protect your teeth by getting a retainer that will protect the veneers.

Lastly, remember to visit your dentist regularly so that they can keep checking if your teeth are fine and sort any problems that may arise. Enjoy your smile and new look after the application of veneers.