Veneers are a form of restorative dentistry in the sense that they help restore the teeth’s appearance for a healthier and brighter smile. Also known as porcelain veneers and porcelain laminates, veneers are made from extremely thin pieces of a tooth-colored substance that are bound to the surface of the tooth to enhance its color, shape, size and overall appearance.
What are veneers made of?
Veneers are typically made from two materials: ceramic or porcelain and composite resin material. Both materials can enhance the look of your teeth but will have some slight differences. For instance, porcelain is more stain-resistant than resin. Many patients also claim that it is able to replicate the appearance of real teeth better. Resin is thinner and will keep your real tooth more intact since it requires less tooth surface to be removed before being bonded to the tooth.
Who can benefit from veneers?
You can benefit from veneers if you are suffering from the following:
- Discolored teeth that are caused by drugs, root canal, age, resin fillings and general wear and tear
- Chipped or misshapen teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Teeth that have gaps or spaces between them
How can you get dental veneers near you with Hamptons Dental?
Once you’ve decided that veneers are the right option for you, it’s time to have a consultation with your dentist about the treatment. The whole procedure of getting veneers usually takes at least three appointments.
The first of these appointments is the consultation where you speak to one of our dentistsabout what you wish to achieve from the treatment, whether it’s whiter teeth or a more even smile. In return, our dentist will do a thorough examination of your teeth and overall health to decide if veneers are indeed the right course of action for you. This is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and our dentist will make sure you to address your concerns before the treatment.
The second appointment is to prepare your teeth for the application of the veneers. To do this, our dentist will lightly buff the tooth’s surface to remove about half a millimetre of enamel. This will make room for the veneer material. If you opted for composite resin, then the veneer can be applied in the same appointment. For porcelain or ceramic veneers, a model of your tooth needs to be made and sent to the laboratory in order for the veneer to be custom-made.
The third and final appointment is when the veneer is bonded to your tooth. Before doing this, our dentist will fit the veneer against your tooth to see if the color, shape or size need to be adjusted. After all, we want the veneer to look as natural as possible! Once the veneer is ready to be bonded, the surface of your tooth will be cleaned, polished and roughened to allow the veneer to adhere to it better. A special cement is then used to “glue” the veneer to the tooth surface. A light beam is then used to seal the cement.
Veneers are an excellent choice for dental patients who wish to restore their teeth a brighter and more even appearance. It is a fairly simple procedure that can drastically change the way you look. Call us today for more information.