MANY OF US ARE unhappy with the way our smiles look, and that’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in with veneers for our San Marcos patients. Maybe your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, they have unusual shapes, or they’ve suffered some damage like chipping or fractures. Veneers are a great, long-lasting solution we can use to fix these problems and get the smiles of our dreams when a simple teeth whitening treatment isn’t enough.
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin shells that cover the natural teeth. Because they are as resilient as tooth enamel, they protect the teeth from damage and can last many years. They are custom-made to the contour of the patient’s teeth and bonded to the enamel over the course of one or two in-office procedures.
The Veneer Placement Process
Veneer placement follows these steps:
- If the patient’s teeth are particularly sensitive, local anesthetic may be used, but it usually isn’t necessary. The dentist cleans the tooth and determines the ideal shade, then removes a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer.
- The dentist takes an impression of the tooth and places a temporary veneer.
- Once the custom veneer has been delivered, the tooth is cleaned and the veneer is etched, rinsed, and dried, and finally cemented onto the tooth.
- A curing light helps harden the adhesive to attach the veneer to the tooth. The dentist polishes the veneer and removes any excess material.
Are Veneers Right for You?
This is a fantastic option to address certain esthetic issues with one or more teeth, but they are not the best solution for every dental problem, as they can be pricey and some amount of natural enamel must be scraped away to make room for them. The best candidates are patients with chipped, broken, badly discolored, or worn teeth. For patients with alignment issues or less severe discoloration, orthodontic and whitening treatment will usually be preferable to veneers.
Taking Care of Your Veneers
It’s important to take good care of your veneers once you have them so that they will last as long as they should before they need replacement. This mainly consists of the same good brushing and flossing habits you maintain for your natural teeth, and you can minimize the risk of them becoming stained by avoiding foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee and red wine.
Are Full Veneers Painful?
Contrary to popular belief, the process of getting full veneers is generally painless and well-tolerated by patients. Before the placement, a small amount of enamel is gently removed from the front surface of the teeth. It is typically a painless process, and local anesthesia can be used if needed to enhance comfort.
Next comes the placement of the veneers. The thin shells are meticulously bonded to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive. Throughout this phase, patients often report feeling little to no discomfort. The dentist will ensure the veneers are precisely positioned and that you are satisfied with the look and feel before finalizing their placement.
After getting full veneers, some patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days. This sensitivity is temporary and typically subsides on its own. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort during this time.
Bring Us Your Questions About Veneers!
If you’re considering getting veneers from a cosmetic dentist and living in the San Marcos area, we’re sure you have plenty of questions. Just give us a call or stop by to set up an appointment. We can tell you everything you need to know and make a plan to get you the smile you’ve always wanted! Make sure you get directions before heading our way.
