What are dental veneers and how are they used?
Porcelain dental veneers are a wonderful way to correct stained, chipped, misaligned, or crooked teeth. Made of a very thin wafer of porcelain, dental veneers are bonded to the front side of your natural teeth. They are stain-resistant and durable, the color can be matched to your existing teeth.
Porcelain veneers are widely used to brighten and whiten a dull smile. In addition to their use in creating a beautiful smile, veneers are excellent for protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. This is particularly true in the case of a partially broken front tooth, where veneers can often be substituted for crowns to cover the broken area.
If I choose veneers, what will happen during my dental appointment?
The placement of porcelain veneers usually requires three appointments. The first appointment usually consists of a consultation where Dr. McCargar will perform an exam, x-ray your teeth, and discuss both your overall oral health and the process of placing veneers. During this appointment, the Doctor will generally take a number of pictures of your teeth, and will answer any questions that you may have.
During the second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for your new veneers. Dr. McCargar will shape each tooth that is to be fitted with a veneer. Next, he will use an elastic material to make an impression of the area where the veneer will be placed. Plaster or dental stone will be poured into this elastic impression and an exact copy of your teeth will be made. An exact mold of your teeth is an important step in the process, it ensures that your veneers will be constructed to perfectly fit each individual tooth. The dental lab creating your veneers then uses this mold.
Once the dental lab is finished creating your new veneers, you will be ready for your final appointment. During this appointment, you and the Doctor will adjust the color of the veneers to your liking. Each tooth is then cleansed and the veneers are cemented to your teeth.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
If you practice good oral hygiene and have healthy teeth and gums, you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If you have severely worn or broken teeth, excessively grind your teeth or clench your jaw, or if you suffer from gum disease, porcelain veneers are not a good option for you.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
To protect your porcelain veneers, it is very important to practice good oral hygiene. Daily flossing, brushing two times per day will keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy.