Chipped, oddly shaped, and discolored teeth are unattractive. Plus, they indicate that your oral health is not excellent. Fortunately, we have several cosmetic dentistry treatments in Morristown that can help you rectify the problem, such as dental veneers.
Veneers are effective and can fix several dental imperfections at once. However, the process of fixing these thin shells is irreversible, and it is vital to have the necessary information before you get them.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells fixed on the enamel to re-create the appearance of your natural teeth. If appropriately fixed, these pieces can improve the teeth’ size, color, shape, and size.
What Veneer Options Are Available?
Dental veneers come in two options; porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain dental veneers in Morristown, NJ, are the most preferred option because they are natural-looking. Furthermore, they are stain-resistant and very durable.
The composite veneers, on the other hand, can be fixed on the same dental visit. However, the veneers are not as durable as the porcelain ones, and they discolor easily.
The two also differ when it comes to cost as the porcelain ones are more expensive.
When Are Veneers Used?
Our dentist in Morristown, NJ, can recommend the dental veneers to fix:
- Severely discolored teeth due to root canal treatment, excessive fluoride, and large resin fillings.
- Worn down, chipped, and broken teeth
- Misaligned, irregularly shaped, and uneven teeth
- Gaps in between your teeth
How Are the Veneers Fixed?
The porcelain dental veneers require two dental visits to be fixed, and the process involves a few steps:
- Diagnosis and mapping of the treatment
Our dentist will first do a comprehensive dental assessment to determine if the veneers are the right treatment option. The dentist will discuss the types of veneers, the procedure, and the risk involved.
- Teeth preparation
Next, your teeth are prepared to make room for the veneers. Remember, the enamel must be reshaped a little bit for the veneers to be fixed. The amount of enamel trimmed will depend on the thickness of the chosen veneers. This is done under local anaesthesia.
The dentist will use putty to mold your teeth to create the permanent veneers. The process of making veneers takes about two to three weeks. But, the dentist will cover your teeth with temporary veneers to protect them from sensitivity.
- Fixing of the permanent veneers
The dentist will replace the temporary veneers with the permanent ones after assessing the teeth. Dental cleaning might be performed to remove any plaque buildup.
The veneers will be examined for the right colour and trimmed to achieve the correct fit. The teeth are etched (roughened) to allow the veneers to bond well. A special cement is used in the bonding process, and it is hardened using a light beam.
The dentist will remove excess cement and examine your bite. Finally, the teeth are polished for an even look.
The dentist may schedule a follow-up dental visit to check the gums and the veneers.
What are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?
Dental veneers offer great benefits, such as:
- They have a natural look and create a seamless appearance
- The gums tolerate the porcelain veneers well
- The veneers are stain-resistant
Cons
Though effective, the veneers have downsides:
- The process is irreversible. Once the enamel is trimmed off, that’s it.
- The veneers cannot be repaired if they chip or crack.
- The color and shade of the veneers cannot be altered once fixed. If the teeth discolour, you’ll need to have them replaced.
- The veneers are not suitable for people who grind and clench their teeth.
- The teeth underneath can still decay.
How to Care for The Veneers?
Dental veneers do not require any special hygiene other than your standard dental practices. However, you need to avoid stain-causing foods that can cause the veneers to discolor, such as wine, coffee, and tea.
Also, do not forget to visit Dental Care of Morristown for an assessment and cleaning every six months to lengthen the veneers (which last between 7 and 15 years).