A beautiful smile is a big confidence booster for anyone. We all want to have straight, white teeth, but sometimes setbacks get in the way. Having crooked teeth, stained teeth, or an orthodontic condition like an open bite are some of the most common dental issues that people want to fix. That’s where dental veneers come into play.
Teeth veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options for good reason. They can drastically change your smile, and the procedure is quick too. If you are wondering if tooth veneers are right for you, we’ve got you covered.
Dr. Taj Haynes and his dental team in Charlotte, NC have compiled everything you need to know about dental veneers here in this blog.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made to resemble teeth. They are placed on top of natural teeth and cemented in place to give each tooth a new shape, size, length, and color. They provide total coverage of any stained, crooked, misaligned, or chipped tooth, giving your smile an improved appearance that still looks natural.
Types of Tooth Veneers
Tooth veneers come in four different types. Patients can choose their dental veneers based on their personal preferences and budget.
The major difference between these veneers is the materials they are made from. However, regardless of the material, all veneers still look like natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
These dental veneers are made from ceramic materials. Ceramic resists stains that might form on the surface, and it also has the most natural look.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin. This is the same material that is used to make dental bonds. Composite veneers are a good alternative to porcelain veneers, although they don’t resist stains as well as porcelain veneers do.
Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are made of porcelain or resin, and they only serve to protect the damaged anterior of a tooth. These dental veneers do not cover the entire tooth because they are only placed on the affected area to stop the damage from spreading. They also restore the strength of the affected tooth.
Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain laminates that get made into veneers. These dental veneers require little preparation and are suitable for patients who cannot have their tooth shaped before the veneer is placed.
Orthodontic Problems That Require Dental Veneers
It is important to note that, while teeth veneers will improve the overall appearance of a patient’s dentition and smile, they do not solve all orthodontic problems.
Teeth veneers are just cosmetic dental solutions that mask dental imperfections. Hence, dental veneers are mostly used to correct tooth misalignments, crooked teeth, or chipped teeth. They also cover up stained teeth, which makes it look like you’ve gotten your teeth whitened.
Orthodontic problems like overcrowding, missing teeth, tooth decay, and cavities cannot be corrected with dental veneers. These types of dental issues need to be taken care of with the right dental treatment so they don’t cause further oral health issues for you down the line.
Step by Step Dental Veneer Placement Procedure
The dental veneer placement process differs slightly depending on the type of veneers you get, but they all follow the same basic procedures.
Diagnosis
Your dentist might recommend getting dental veneers to help improve the appearance of your dentition during a regular dental exam. This will also be your opportunity to pick the type of veneers you want.
Treatment Preparation
This is the part where your tooth will be reshaped. During this step, some parts of your enamel will be chipped off to match the thickness of the veneer. Your dentist will also make impressions of your teeth and mouth to get the right fit for your veneers. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where the veneers will be made.
After this process, your temporary veneers will be placed over your teeth while you wait for your permanent veneers to be ready. The waiting period is usually between 2-4 weeks.
Bonding
Once the veneers are back from the dental lab, it is time to fix them. Your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth and examine them to ensure the color and fit are good. Trimming adjustments will also be made during this time.
After the veneers have been trimmed to fit, your teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched in preparation for the veneers. Using a special bonding cement, the veneers will be attached to your tooth and, once properly positioned, your dentist will finish off the results by shining a special light on your teeth. This light activates chemicals in the cement that make it harden very quickly.
Aftercare
After the tooth veneers have been placed, you may have to return to your dentist in a few weeks for a follow-up visit to check on the veneer placement and your gums.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers in Charlotte and Concord, NC
Porcelain veneers will improve the overall appearance of your teeth and give you the smile you want. However, once a veneer is fixed, the process can’t be undone, so getting poorly fitting veneers should be avoided at all costs.
Here are some benefits of porcelain veneers:
- They appear and feel natural.
- They can prevent or reduce tooth discoloration.
- They require little maintenance.
- They can boost the confidence in your smile.
- They don’t require you to remove too much enamel.
- They are perfect for covering cracks, chips, and discoloration.
Where to Get Dental Veneers in Charlotte and Concord, NC
Do you want to get dental veneers but you’re not sure where to go? We know just what you need. Our dentist can walk you through the process and make sure you end up with well-fitted dental veneers.
Modern Family Dental Care offers quality dental veneers in Charlotte and Concord, NC on top of a variety of other comprehensive dental services. With our team of experienced and dedicated dental professionals at your service, you can expect exceptional dental care and customer service.
Contact us today for an appointment so we can help you achieve your dream smile.
