Dental veneers, sometimes called laminates, are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. In fact, they are second only to teeth whitening. Veneers are thin shells that are used to correct issues with the structure, color, spacing, and alignment of teeth. They are adhered to the front surface of visible teeth and can be used for a single tooth or an entire smile makeover. Veneers are most commonly fabricated from porcelain and known as porcelain veneers, however they can also be made from composite resin.
Did You Know?
Veneers are a highly popular choice in Hollywood for smile makeovers. In fact, celebrities like Hillary Duff, Ben Affleck, and Miley Cyrus can all attribute their stunning smiles to dental veneers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for veneers?
You may be a candidate for veneers if you are looking to correct one or more of the following concerns:
- Damaged teeth (chipped or cracked)
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Teeth that are too small
- Stained teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth that are overlapping or that have gaps
Additionally, ideal candidates for dental veneers are those who are free from gum disease and tooth decay. If tooth decay or gum disease is found, it will need to be resolved prior to placing veneers.
What can I expect when having veneers placed at my Saratoga dental office?
When you are having veneers placed, you can expect to attend two dental appointments. During the first appointment, your teeth will be prepared for veneer placement. You can expect to be anesthetized to maintain your comfort. In order for the veneers to fit naturally, a small amount of your natural tooth enamel will need to be shaved off. Since porcelain veneers are thicker, they usually require the removal of more enamel. In some cases, composite veneers may not require any enamel removal.
Dr. Woo will then take a dental impression or oral scan of your mouth, and will determine the color of your future veneers. He will send this information to a dental lab so that your veneers can be customized for your smile and treatment goals. Until your permanent veneers are ready, you will have temporary veneers placed to protect your teeth. During your second appointment, you will have these temporary veneers removed and the permanent veneers will be cemented in place.
What can I expect after having veneers placed at my Saratoga dental office?
Between your first and second veneer appointments, you may experience some tooth sensitivity. This is completely normal and is caused by the enamel removal. Your temporary veneers should help to protect your teeth, however you may also want to brush with a sensitivity toothpaste temporarily. Once your permanent veneers have been placed, the sensitivity should fade as your teeth adapt.
How do I care for my veneers?
To care for your veneers, you will need to maintain regular oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once, and visiting your Saratoga dentist once every six months for your dental exam and cleaning. Additionally, you will want to avoid detrimental behaviors like chewing ice, biting into hard or chewy foods, nail biting, and smoking. Although veneers are strong, these behaviors can cause them to wear down faster or become damaged. When well-taken care of, composite veneers can last about 5-7 years and porcelain veneers can last about 10-15 years.
