Starting the Conversation About Veneers With Your Dentist

Veneers are artificial tooth coverings made of porcelain or resin that can improve a patient’s smile. Only fixed to the surface of the patient’s natural teeth, these dental appliances can be used to repair a majority of aesthetic issues, such as chips, stains, or cracks. Getting any dental treatment that mends problems with a smile can greatly boost the confidence of a patient and improve everyday living. If you are interested in getting this simple treatment, here is how to get started.

What to discuss with a dentist

When a patient wants to fix a smile, many questions come to mind. Before any dental treatment is chosen, it is important to understand each option and if a patient is a good fit for the procedure. For veneers, this means talking to a dentist about the advantages of this material over others, if a patient’s teeth qualify for treatment, how the procedure works, and proper aftercare. Fortunately, most dentists are open to discuss these things and talk patients through each step of the process.

Is the patient a good candidate?

Many dental treatments can improve a smile by removing teeth stains and filling in damage. Veneers may be right for a patient who has severe discoloration that cannot be helped by other procedures. Patients who have teeth with general wear or that are separated by unsightly gaps can also benefit from this treatment over other options, as it covers the surface of each tooth, making a smile even, filled in, and properly colored. Patients can ask a dentist if this procedure is advantageous for their individual needs.

How does the procedure work?

First, a dentist will take measurements of the patient’s teeth for the creation of the veneers. Patients can discuss whether porcelain or resin is a good choice depending on personal needs. For example, resin material can often be made while the patient waits in a same-day procedure, while porcelain is usually made in a lab away from the dental office but is considered more durable and lasts longer. A dentist can advise patients on which to choose.

Once the materials are made, the dentist scrapes away a small portion of each tooth that is to be treated. This makes necessary room for the attachment of the porcelain or resin. Finally, each veneer is bonded to the tooth, and the dentist may complete extra sculpting so that the teeth look uniform and neat.

What are proper aftercare techniques?

Getting veneers can be a big decision, so patients will want to keep them as pristine as possible for lasting results. Keeping up normal dental hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, is a great way to maintain the new appliances. Avoiding drinks and foods that stain, such as red wines and tomato-based sauces, can prevent discoloration.