Transform Your Smile With Dental Veneers
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental care focused on improving the aesthetic appearance of a person’s smile. It encompasses several different treatment approaches that range in complexity from simple, professional teeth whitening to surgically placed dental implants. Dental veneers, among the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry, can deliver a major impact with a minimally invasive treatment process.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers (also called dental veneers) are a type of cosmetic dental prosthetic. They consist of tooth-shaped wafer-thin shells that are made from a durable, tooth-colored material.
The dental veneers are permanently attached to the front surfaces of a patient’s teeth. They cover the entire visible portion of the teeth to create a new look by covering up minor to more complex cosmetic imperfections.
Types of Dental Veneers
Most commonly, dental veneers are made of porcelain, but they can also be manufactured with composite resin, zirconia (zirconium dioxide), and other materials.
There are also non-permanent, removable dental veneers (commonly called flippers or snap-on veneers). These are not designed for all-day, daily wear but are useful for temporarily improving the look of one’s smile for photoshoots, modeling gigs, or pageants.
The Advantages of Veneers
Dental veneers are an excellent option for improving the look of your smile and creating dazzling, natural-looking results. They offer a variety of versatile applications and can be used to address several cosmetic concerns. Dental veneers are often used to:
Mask permanent stains or discoloration
Correct the appearance of an abnormally sized or shaped tooth
Create the look of straight teeth
Cover up a gap between teeth
Hide a silver-amalgam dental filling
Improve smile symmetry and balance
Create an evenly colored bright-white smile
Dental veneers can be applied in an entire set for a complete smile makeover or individually to address minor concerns.
The Dental Veneer Placement Process
The process of getting dental veneers can vary somewhat, depending on the type of dental veneers you are receiving. Generally, however, you can expect to undergo the following process when getting dental veneers.
Consultation, Preparation, and Design
The first appointment for dental veneers begins with a consultation and examination of your teeth and gums. Our dentist talks with you about your smile concerns, desired look, and treatment expectations.
If you decide that dental veneers are the right treatment option for you, then we can begin the treatment process by recontouring the surfaces of your teeth to accommodate a set of dental veneers. This involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel (about the same thickness as a dental veneer) from the front surfaces of teeth. This ensures a strong bond between the veneers and the tooth enamel in addition to creating space for a comfortable and natural-looking fit.
This preparation process is typically performed using local anesthetics to prevent the patient from experiencing any sensitivity, pain, or discomfort.
We then take three-dimensional, digital scans of your teeth that will be used in the design and creation of your dental veneers. These digital images and designs are then submitted to our dental lab to be used in the custom creation of your dental veneers.
Before sending you home, our dentist will fit you with a set of temporary veneers to keep you comfortable and smiling while your permanent veneers are manufactured.
Dental Veneer Adjustment and Placement
Once your permanent dental veneers are ready, we’ll schedule you for your placement appointment. At this appointment, our dentist removes your temporary veneers before cleaning and preparing the surfaces of your teeth to receive the permanent veneers.
We then apply a thin layer of dental cement and affix the permanent veneers. If necessary, we will trim and adjust the dental veneers to ensure a perfect fit and flawless look.
Once the dental cement is set, you are ready to go and enjoy your dental veneers.
Dental Veneer Aftercare
Dental veneers do not require any special aftercare. However, we do recommend that patients be mindful of the way they care for their dental veneers to prolong their lifespan.
Revitalize Your Smile With Dental Veneers in Elgin, Illinois
At Bright Valley Dental, our dentist is experienced and skilled in cosmetic dentistry. Whether you have minor concerns or more complex cosmetic issues with your smile, we can work with you to determine the best course of treatment to help you restore your oral health and enhance your looks by creating the smile of your dreams.
FAQ
Dental implants can last 15 to 20 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance.
The dental implant procedure is performed by providing local anesthesia, which minimizes the discomfort during the process. Some soreness or discomfort may occur during the healing period, but it can be managed with pain medication.
While many individuals are candidates for dental implants, a thorough evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon is necessary to determine suitability. Factors like overall health, jawbone density, and oral hygiene habits may influence candidacy.
