Dental veneers, which once seemed a luxury only available to the rich and famous, have gone mainstream. For people who are insecure about their smile, the opportunity to have a straight, bright, perfectly shaped and aligned smile can provide an incredible self-esteem and self-confidence boost. Better yet, veneers are a non-surgical procedure that cause little or no discomfort for most patients. For patients who are nervous or fearful of dental treatments, sedation can ensure you’re relaxed during your treatment. Here’s everything to know about how veneers are applied.
Getting Veneers: What to Expect
Dental veneers are very thin, shell-like coverings that are bonded to your natural teeth. Made of either porcelain, composite, or prefabricated resin, veneers cover the front of your tooth, and wrap slightly around the edges of each tooth.
During your first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, design your custom veneers, and send both to a lab for fabrication. Once the veneers arrive from the lab, you will return to the dentist to prep your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may suggest local anesthesia.
In order for each veneer to fit properly, a thin layer (less than one millimeter) of your tooth enamel will be removed. This is achieved with ultra quiet electric tools that file off tiny layers of enamel. Removing this thin layer will create a rough texture on the surface of your teeth, which ensures that each veneer will attach firmly to the tooth.
Next your veneers will be bonded to your teeth. A specialized light will help to cure the adhesive quickly. The entire process is often complete in just a couple of hours. By the time you leave the appointment, your smile will be straight, white, and perfectly aligned.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
As a cosmetic treatment, dental veneers improve the aesthetics of your smile. They do not alter the function of your teeth or jaws. Instead, they correct imperfections in your teeth. Benefits of dental veneers include:
- Cover chipped teeth
- Cover stained teeth
- Reshape teeth
- Lengthen short or small teeth
- Fill gaps in teeth
- Brighten your smile
- Boost confidence
Dental veneers are less damaging to your natural teeth than getting dental crowns, as the teeth do not need to be ground down beneath the veneer. Porcelain veneers are also very durable, lasting at least 10 years with good oral hygiene. Veneers can be maintained the same way natural teeth are maintained–with twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental appointments.
Dental veneers are resistant to staining and cavities, because they are made of non-porous materials. However, you should know that once you get veneers, you’ll need them forever. Veneers are long-lasting, but may need to be replaced after 10+ years.
Book a Consultation for Cosmetic Dental Treatment in New Jersey
If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile, schedule a cosmetic dental consultation at Bella Dental. In addition to veneers, we provide a full range of cosmetic dental treatments including teeth whitening, Invisalign, cosmetic bonding, and dental implants. Bella Dental has offices in Holmdel, Brick, and Oakhurst, NJ to best serve you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.