Dental Veneers:

These are simply thin tooth coverings which are usually made from porcelain or ceramic. Veneers are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth. However, veneers only cover the front of the teeth in order to give them a better aesthetic appearance.

Why should you get dental veneers?

• To fill large spaces between teeth
• To fix broken Teeth
• To fix chipped teeth
• You have stained fillings
• You have stained teeth
• You have crooked or uneven teeth

The length of the procedure usually takes 3 visits to the dentist’s office.

You do not need to plan for a hospital stay since veneers are done on an outpatient basis.

Since you are going to make three visits to the dentist’s office, you should plan to stay in the country for 7 to 10 days. You can always schedule tours, sightseeing, or even spend some time at a beach hotel in between your dental visits.

Details of the Procedure:

Using specialized software, the dentist will create a smile design, and you will discuss your desired outcome during your first visit. The teeth that will have veneers placed over them will be prepared by having some of their surface removed.

What this does is create space so that the dental veneers will fit properly and look as natural as possible. An impression of your teeth will also be taken so that a mold can be made to create the veneers.

During your second visit, your dentist will check how well your dental veneers are fitting, both functionally and aesthetically. If the veneer is not fitting correctly or if it does not look as well as it should, the dentist may take an additional mold, and you will need to schedule your third appointment.

However, if the veneer fits well and looks good during your second visit, there will be no third visit required. If everything looks and fits the way it should, then the dentist will bond the dental veneer at this time.

In order for this to occur, the dentist will clean your teeth with a chemical solution which will enhance the bonding process. A special light beam is shined on the tooth so that the cement will fully harden.

After the Procedure:

Once the dental veneers are in place, your mouth and teeth may feel strange for a few weeks, but the feeling should fade away thereafter. Your teeth may feel rough and strange in between the first visit and the placement of your dental veneers.

However, this feeling is quite normal since the veneers are not yet in place. If the feeling results too bothersome, then your dentist can place temporary veneers on your teeth.

Results:

Most people who have dental veneers say that they are quite pleased with the end result, but it is important to note that veneers are not a permanent solution. Dental veneers must be replaced every 5 to 10 years, but they may last longer if you take good care of them; some veneers may last 10 to 15 years with good care.

Complications and Risks involved with dental veneers:

The dental veneer procedure, just like any other dental procedure, has risks associated with it. The following is a list of the most common risks and complications associated with dental veneers:

• Reaction to anesthetic or medication
• Placement is irreversible
• Veneer breakage
• Veneer damage
• Damage to the tooth structure
• Tooth sensitivity
• Cosmetically unappealing
• Speech change
• Function change

Contact your dentist if any of the following conditions occur:

• Pain increases or suddenly develops
• Inflammation of the gums or mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Bleeding around the tooth
• Damage to the veneer
• Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
• Signs of cavities