Whether you're headed out on a date, meeting acquaintances for lunch, or applying for a job, you often have just a few seconds to make a great impression - and your smile is a big part of that. What does yours say about you?
If you're self-conscious about your smile, it may be time to start looking into dental veneers! These thin coverings transform your appearance in no time, and the process is simple. Let's take a look at what you should know about dental veneers before and after your procedure.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells that your dentist can place on the front of your teeth. Each shell is customized to fit the shape of the tooth behind it.
Veneers allow you to change the look of your teeth. They can be helpful if you feel self-conscious about any of the following features:
- Discoloration
- Worn down or pitted tooth surfaces
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- A tooth that is smaller or larger than average
- Large gaps between teeth
Thanks to the way they're bonded to the surface of your teeth, veneers can last for anywhere from 5 to 20 years. They're often made of
porcelain or resin composite. Both of these materials are durable enough to stand up to the force of regular chewing and biting.
You can get as many or as few veneers as you need to reach your goals. Some people get a single veneer to cover a damaged tooth, while others get veneers to cover the teeth that are most visible when smiling.
What to Expect Before Getting Veneers
When you first start talking to your
Mount Vernon, NY dentist about the possibility of veneers, they'll schedule an appointment with you. This is a chance for both of you to ask questions and make sure you're on the same page, and it also allows them to go over the dental veneers process with you.
Initial Consultation
During your first appointment, they'll ask you about the results you want. This helps them understand whether veneers will help you reach your goals. If you're struggling with uneven teeth, for example, your dentist may recommend getting
braces or clear aligners
before
getting veneers.
They'll also decide whether you're a good dental veneers candidate. You'll need to have good overall oral health, as you'll need plenty of healthy tooth enamel for this cosmetic procedure.
There are several types of veneers you can choose from, including the materials we've mentioned above as well as
thinner, no-prep options like Lumineers. Your dentist will go over your options to help you find the right veneer based on your preferred cost, tooth appearance, and process length. They'll also be able to guide you toward the best option based on your smile goals.
To help with the creation of your veneers, your dentist will also take X-rays of your teeth. This also allows them to check for tooth decay and gum disease before your procedure. It also helps them ensure that a fractured or
chipped tooth doesn't need additional treatment first.
Preparation
Next, your dentist will trim away some of the enamel on the tooth (or teeth) you've chosen. This is a tiny amount, often around half a millimeter. They'll use a special grinding tool to do so.
Once your teeth are ready, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where your veneers will be created.
This prep can happen during the initial appointment or a follow-up appointment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
When your veneers come back from the lab (often within a week or two), your dentist will schedule your procedure.
Your dentist may begin by giving you a local anesthetic, if necessary.
After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will check the fit and color of the veneers to be sure they're a good fit. They'll then use their grinding tool to roughen the texture of your teeth. This helps the dental cement better stick to your teeth.
Lastly, your dentist will place your veneers and use a special UV light to harden the dental cement.
What to Expect After Getting Veneers
What can you look forward to after the procedure? Here's what to know about discomfort, aftercare, and your long-term outlook:
Immediate Aftercare
The good news is that most patients don't experience much (or any!) pain or discomfort after getting veneers. Like many dental procedures, you may feel mild soreness for around 10-24 hours, but it should fade soon after. Feel free to eat like normal after any anesthetics wear off.
You may notice that your teeth feel a little rougher than usual, however. This sometimes happens because you're feeling the rough dental cement. After a few days of eating and brushing, this bonding material will wear away on its own.
Maintaining Your Veneers
One of the most subtle dental veneers benefits is that these tooth-colored shells don't even need special treatment. You can brush and floss them in the same way you would for your other teeth!
However, you'll want to make sure to take extra good care of your veneers in other ways. Avoid bad oral habits like chewing non-food items (fingernails, pens, ice, and packaging, for example). If you grind your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night.
With proper care, you'll be able to enjoy your beautiful dental veneers results for years to come.
See Your Dental Veneers Before and After Photos
If you're excited to see how dental veneers could enhance your smile, we hope this blog has helped answer your questions. Veneers are great ways to customize the look of your teeth without extensive or invasive procedures, and many patients are great candidates. We also hope you can't wait to see your dental veneers before and after photos!
When you need a dentist in Mount Vernon, NY, we hope you'll trust the team at Sparkle Dental! Our experienced cosmetic dentists have been helping local patients get the smiles of their dreams for over two decades. To start working toward your smile goals, call us at (914) 668-1722 or
contact us online.
