Dental veneers are very thin shells that can be attached to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. The application of veneers is a cosmetic dentistry procedure and you should schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate for the procedure. Veneers can be used to improve the look and color of teeth.
When are veneers used?
In cases where teeth are discolored, stained, chipped, worn out, misaligned or have gaps between them, veneers can be used. Veneers can also be used on teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure and have lost their natural color. Veneers can be used to increase the length of teeth and to make irregular or uneven teeth look better.
What are veneers made of
and how are they fitted?
Veneers are made of very thin porcelain. Porcelain is extremely strong and does not wear off easily with daily use. Porcelain also looks a lot like natural tooth enamel and does not stain or discolor easily. Porcelain veneers can mimic the natural look of teeth so seamlessly that it is hard to tell them apart.
The first step to getting veneers fitted is to visit your dentist. At Devon Neighbourhood Dental Dr. Laheeb Quddusi will first give you a full oral examination to determine if you are a candidate for dental veneers. Tell your dentist about what you hope your desired results will be and ask any questions you might have. If you are a good candidate for the procedure then the dentist will proceed with preparing you for the veneers.
What does the procedure involve?
The full procedure for getting dental veneers fitted usually takes two or three visits to the dentist. On the first visit after the dentist has finished examining your teeth he might need to take an x-ray to better check the condition of your teeth. If veneers are the solution for you then the dentist will proceed.
On the second visit your teeth will be cleaned and half a millimeter of the front surface will be removed. The removal of the front enamel can be done under local anesthesia to avoid pain and discomfort. The removal of the enamel is necessary to make space for the veneers to be fitted to the teeth. An impression of your teeth will be taken and the color of your normal teeth noted so that the veneers can be custom made for your mouth.
The dentist will send your teeth impressions to an external lab to have the veneers prepared. Once your veneers are ready you will be called back to have them fitted on. It usually takes about two weeks for the veneers to be prepared.
To attach the veneers the dentist will first place the veneers over your teeth to check the size and color. If any adjustments are required they will be made at this point before the veneers are fixed on permanently. The veneers might have to be trimmed a little to fit better. The shade of cement can help to adjust the color if required. To prepare your teeth to have the veneers permanently fixed on they will first be polished and then roughened. The roughening of the surface helps the adhesive to attach better to the tooth.
Next a light sensitive cement is applied to the veneer and it is then fixed onto your tooth. Once all the veneers have been fixed on and have been carefully aligned a light is shone on them to activate the cement and make it harden. Any excess cement will be cleaned off after the veneers have been fixed on. The dentist will make sure that you are able to use your teeth normally by checking your bite after the veneers have been fitted.
What can I expect after the veneers are fitted?
After the porcelain veneers have been fitted your smile will be transformed. Your teeth will look white and even and gaps will be closed. Chipped and broken teeth will be no longer visible and all your teeth will be the same color. You should be able to eat and drink normally and brush and floss like you would your original teeth. The dentist will call you in for a follow up visit to make sure that your veneers are fixed properly and you are in no discomfort.
Devon Neighbourhood Dental
Devon Neighbourhood Dental is conveniently located in the heart of town and very easy to access. We have recently renovated our facility and have all the latest equipment in a clean and comfortable setting. Dr. Laheeb Quddusi is an experienced provider at fitting dental veneers and he will take the time to answer all your questions and walk you through the procedure before you get started. Contact us for an appointment if you are considering getting veneers for your teeth.
