Veneers how do they work

Apa says he'll looks at a person's skin tone to make a color decision. Once you commit to your veneer plan and figure out how many you need, your dentist will have you take more molds, X-rays, and photographs. Then, you'll come back to get fitted for temporary veneers and wear them for seven to ten days so you can see how your new smile will look IRL Dr.

Apa refers to this as a "trial smile". Once you and your dentist agree on what you want, your dentist will take a final set of molds and send them to a ceramist to duplicate. When the porcelain veneers are ready, they'll be fit to your teeth again to make sure they're a perfect match. Composite veneers are veneers made from tooth-colored composite resin , which tend to be more affordable than porcelain veneers but also a little weaker and more prone to staining.

For composite veneers, your dentist will use the same material as a dental filling aka composite and bind it to your teeth to reshape them. The process requires fewer but longer appointments than porcelain veneers, and the final result will rely heavily on the skill of the dentist. Yes, your teeth might need to be shaved down during the prep stage of veneers, but it really depends on your specific situation. For example, if you come in with large, gray-stained, crooked teeth, your dentist would likely have to shave them down to get the look you want.

How much is shaved for veneers also depends on your dentist. For Dr. That's not necessary true of every dentist, so make sure to clarify with yours first if you're concerned.

If you've done your fair share of Googling, you might have stumbled across a no-prep version called Lumineers and wondered what the deal is. Lumineers is brand of a specific type of semipermanent veneer and is a potentially more affordable option—emphasis on "potentially," because Lumineers don't last as long as traditional veneers. Lumineers don't require prep there's no shaving down of the teeth first , but not everyone is a candidate, and not every dentist offers this product, so you'll want to check with your specific dentist first, if you're curious.

Lumineers are permanent, but they're not forever. Let me explain. Apa explains. So even though the bond is permanent, porcelain v eneers only last for about 15 years, at which point they'll need to be replaced. To replace veneers, your dentist will gently and carefully drill off the old veneer, and start the new process over.

Permanent, and also temporary. If you've got commitment issues—or you're going to a dentist you don't fully trust don't! Do research! Ignore the siren call of Groupon! Most often, veneers irreversible, because once the tooth is shaved down, it can't be unshaved, and you'll need to continue getting veneers for the rest of your life.

The list of the pros can greatly outweigh the cons, but when considering veneers, just be aware that this is a lifelong kinda thing.

At the very least, it's safe to say that veneers are uncomfortable and time-consuming. It typically takes between one and two weeks after your dentist creates your mold to get your veneers back from the lab. Once your veneers are in, you can schedule an appointment to have them placed. Next, your dentist thoroughly cleans your teeth. This is important, as it keeps bacteria from being trapped under the veneer and causing decay.

After they do this, they use the grinding tool to create a rougher texture on each tooth on which a veneer is to be applied. This makes it easier for the veneer to stick to the tooth. Your dentist then uses a dental cement to bind the veneer to the tooth. Instead, once the veneers are cemented on and any anesthetics wear off, you can eat and chew as you normally would. While the anesthetic is wearing off, be conscious of not chewing on your cheeks or tongue.

In some cases, immediately after the veneers are applied, you may notice that they feel a little rough. Traditional porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years, and no-prep veneers last around 5 to 7 years. Taking certain precautions can help make sure that you get the longest lifespan out of them possible.

These precautions include:. Tooth enamel erosion isn't reversible, but here are some tips for how to prevent it and stop it from getting worse. There are many reasons why white spots may develop on your teeth. Learn about the most common causes. Communication with Dr. Niles about what you want corrected is critical for a successful result. The process involved with placing veneers usually requires approximately three dental visits. At the first visit, we will discuss whether this cosmetic dentistry procedure will work for you.

On the second visit, we will remove a small amount of enamel the outer coating of your teeth to make room for the veneer. Typically, only one-half millimeter is removed. Sometimes this procedure requires local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. After the enamel is trimmed down, an impression is then taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom made to fit your mouth.

At the third visit, we attach the dental veneers to your teeth with special adhesive material. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. After these steps, you are done! A beautiful, flawless smile has been achieved. Dental veneers can solve a variety of dental challenges including:. Dental veneers are a great way to obtain a natural, beautifully-balanced smile, but, unfortunately, they are not appropriate for all dental conditions.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Niles, she will be able to ascertain if you are a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure. If your teeth have been weakened by decay, fractures, or large fillings, dental veneers are not your best option.

If your teeth have been significantly weakened, you may need crowns instead.