Dental veneers are used to correct alignment, color and tooth shape problems. Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped and colored porcelain that are bonded over the front of your teeth. Composite resin veneers are applied directly to your teeth and adjusted to the desired shape. Both procedures can be performed without anesthesia. Veneers require a minimum tooth reduction (where the thickness of the tooth is reduced about 0.5-1.5 mm.). In cases of serious tooth discoloration (very yellow or brown -colored), dentists recommend porcelain veneers or crowns as opposed to bleaching. .

Dental veneers can be a solution for:

• Correct the shape of the front teeth
• Closing space of the front teeth
• Corredt the alignment of the front teeth
• Severely discolored teeth

Q - How long does it take for a procedure?
A - The procedure takes several hours. It depends on the oral health condition of the patient. A patient should expect to be in the office for 3-4 hours. The dentist has to perform a thorough exam before starting the procedure.

Q - How many dental visits does it require?
A - It takes just two visits for the entire procedure. Since it is necessary to do a thorough exam, the visits are several hours each. Dental offices allow patients to watch a movie while the procedure is done.

Q - What are various things I should keep in mind to get prepared for the procedure?
A - On the day of the teeth whitening appointment, it is highly recommended that a patient cleans his/her teeth thoroughly. The dentist will also check and clean the teeth prior to the procedure, but it saves time to be prepared.

Q - Difference in look of teeth between the two visits?
A - On the first visit, the dentist prepares a provisional or temporary installation that will come as close as possible to the look the patient would like to achieve. The smile of a patient always looks better after the first visit, and after the second visit it will look great! Unlike most forms of cosmetic treatment, there is no healing time for this procedure.

Q - What to expect during the procedure?
A - During the procedure, patients usually experience no discomfort. On your first visit, your dentist may give you freezing (called a local anesthetic). Aside from having to keep your mouth open for a period of time, there is no pain involved. Your dentist then removes part of the enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. Your dentist makes an impression of your teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your veneers are custom-made. On your next visit, your dentist puts a mild chemical on your teeth to make them a little rough. This helps the veneers stick to your teeth better. The veneers are then attached to your teeth one by one, using composite resin cement.


Q - Does the dentist use a laboratory for the procedure and is the cost of lab included in cost of the procedure?
A - The impressions of the teeth are sent to the lab to create custom-made veneers. The cost of the lab work is usually included in the procedure cost and is also discussed with the patient.

Q - What do most people experience after the procedure?
A - After the first visit a patient can experience a slight degree of discomfort, but nothing that could not be remedied by ordinary Aspirin or Tylenol.

Q - Are there any prescriptions provided after the procedure?
A - Usually Tylenol is recommended to ease the minor aches or pains that a patient may experience following the procedure.

Q - What medical condition would disqualify a person from getting a certain procedure?
A - The dentist should be informed of any and all medical conditions. This is necessary to avoid any complications that might occur during or after the procedure.

Q - How long do the results last?
A - Veneers usually last for up to 12 years. This is the same timeframe for how long a crown will last. The ultimate timeframe depends on the oral health habits of the patient.

Things to keep in mind

It is strongly recommend that a patient avoid eating sticky foods like gum, caramels, and taffy. Avoid hard candy and definitely do not chew ice cubes! Don't bite your fingernails or chew on hard objects. Once veneers have been applied, a patient cannot reverse the treatment because a part of the tooth enamel has been removed. And, until the veneers are attached to your teeth, your teeth may be sore and look strange.

Sources

2 Christopher A. Jordan, DDS.