Everything You Need to Know About Dental Veneers — Preparation, Application and Maintenance

What are dental veneers? A dental veneer is a porcelain shell that is permanently attached to a tooth. It is designed to look and feel just like a natural tooth. These veneers do not affect neighboring teeth. They can be used to close the space between two teeth, add length and thickness to a tooth, and cover cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth. For more information about the benefits of dental veneers, read on!

Preparing Teeth for Dental Veneers

In order for CleanTeeth dental veneers to be properly placed on your teeth, some preparation is required. The amount of preparation required varies, depending on the type of veneer you are getting and the position of your teeth. Your dentist will determine whether you need a local anesthetic, though some teeth may not need one if they have had root canals or very little preparation. However, if your veneer procedure requires extensive tooth preparation, you may be asked to have a local anesthetic.

First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and grind down a small portion of the enamel. This will create a mold of your teeth, and they will send it to a lab for a custom-made veneer. The lab takes about a week to complete your new veneers, but you can have temporary veneers while you wait. Your dentist will provide you with a temporary veneer until your permanent ones arrive.

Another consideration when preparing teeth for dental veneers is the thickness of the material. Generally, a dentist will remove about half to one millimeter of enamel from the front of the tooth, which is equivalent to the thickness of the veneer. This procedure is known as ‘prepping’ in the United States. The dentist will also make any needed adjustments to the tooth’s length. If necessary, your dentist may want to reduce the height of the tooth to create a wider space for the veneer.

Once the tooth is prepared for the veneer, your dentist will apply an impression material to the top and bottom of the teeth. The dentist will then use light to harden the composite material before placing it on the teeth. After the veneers are applied, they may need to be adjusted or reshaped over the course of a few weeks. This process may take several weeks, depending on how your teeth have healed and how your veneers are functioning.

Installing Dental Veneers

If you are considering installing dental veneers on your teeth, there are several steps to take. You should consult with a dentist before beginning any work, and research the procedure and the dental team. The dentist you select should be qualified, and the experience of the team is important. They should also be willing to answer any questions you may have about the procedure. You should also look for testimonials from previous patients, and choose a dentist who has many satisfied clients.

During the procedure, a small amount of tooth material is removed, usually 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. This process ensures maximum strength for the tooth, and the veneers can be replaced if necessary in the future. Depending on the condition of your teeth, veneers may be applied to neighboring teeth or only the problematic ones. Your dentist will determine how many veneers you need and will work with you to find a combination of shades that will enhance your smile.

Dental veneers are made of a thin layer of material called enamel. During the procedure, the dentist will remove a small portion of the enamel on your front and sides. This creates a rough negative space for the veneer to fit over your teeth. While this procedure should not be painful, some patients opt for numbing agents. In any case, you will have to visit your dentist at least twice to have the procedure performed.

Afterward, you can return to your regular dental appointments. After the procedure, you should practice good oral hygiene. Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you should also avoid eating foods or drinks that may stain your new veneers. As long as you follow these precautions, your new teeth will look fantastic for at least 10 years. If you care for them properly, they should last for at least seven to 15 years.

Removing Dental Veneers

You may be wondering how to remove dental veneers. First, you need to know how they’re applied. Veneers are bonded to the teeth with a special resin, which hardens when exposed to dental cement. They’re inspected under magnification with a special light, and if the dentist finds a cavity, a special instrument is used to break them up. It takes about an hour, and you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

The procedure may involve using a special tool called an extractor, which your dentist can use to gently remove the veneer. This tool is sterilized and allows the dentist to remove the entire tooth, including the crown and veneer. However, it may take several appointments for the veneers to be removed, so it’s vital to follow all directions carefully. Moreover, you should avoid eating for a few days after the procedure to avoid damaging them.

Care of dental veneers

Although dental veneers can give you the smile of your dreams, they can be a big maintenance headache. The veneers must be taken care of properly and ideally, you should visit your dentist at least every five to ten years. During these checkups, your dentist will examine the condition of your veneers and recommend any treatment or replacements if needed. You should also see your dentist if any changes happen to your smile, such as chipping or tearing off pieces. Likewise, you should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth at night or while playing contact sports.

To maintain the appearance of your new veneers, you should avoid foods that stain teeth. Dark sodas, berries, coffee, and soy sauce should be avoided. Additionally, you should avoid chewing tobacco and using straws. These habits can damage your veneers and shorten their lifespan. Also, try to limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid smoking to maintain a beautiful smile. Despite the durability of dental veneers, they do not protect gums from diseases.

The dentist should be consulted if you are prone to bruxism, a condition in which you grind your teeth during sleep. This habit can cause a lot of stress on your teeth and veneers, as well as your jaw joints. A nighttime bite guard, also called an occlusal guard, can be fitted to you by your dentist. While normal foods should not cause damage to your dental veneers, you should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as plastic or metal.

To maintain the beauty of your veneers, you should brush and floss your teeth twice a day, at least, with a soft bristle toothbrush. You should also use the correct toothpaste. It is also a good idea to brush with a soft toothbrush to prevent roughening the surface polish of your veneer. As with any dental work, proper oral care is important to keep your new veneers looking great for a long time.

Avoiding Damage to Dental Veneers

Besides taking good care of your natural teeth, you must also avoid eating sugary and sticky foods. These can damage your veneers, so it is essential to avoid them as much as possible. Your dentist will also give you some brushing tips that you can follow based on your circumstances. In addition, do not brush your gums in a rough way, as this can damage your veneers and result in gum recession.

Cigarette smoke can stain your veneers, even though the porcelain itself is stain-resistant. If you smoke, your veneers will begin to discolor and will look yellow. In addition, teeth grinding can cause your veneers to become fractured or fall off. People who grind their teeth regularly may experience a higher risk of fractured veneers. Tobacco use can also discolor your veneers, so stay away from these substances as much as possible.

If you do happen to fall your veneers off, do not try to fix them yourself. This can further damage the veneers. Instead, gently remove the broken pieces and store them in a sturdy container. Next, call your dentist immediately for a consultation. By the time you know the reason why your veneers have broken, you may be able to come up with a solution. And once you know what has caused your veneers to fall off, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding the next step.

Another common cause of veneers falling off is bruxing. Whether it is due to physical or psychological reasons, bruxing causes a great force on the veneers, which causes them to chip or break. Negligence and improper handling can also cause your veneers to fall off. Ultimately, veneers are incredibly delicate devices that can easily break. In addition to bruxing, improper care of your veneers can also cause damage.