Posted by Would you like to have a more beautiful smile with only two visits to the Bee Cave dentist? Then veneers are a great option for you to consider. They are made of a translucent porcelain material that fits over your teeth. They are a wonderful alternative to more painful dental procedures. They are as thin as a wafer and, because every patients needs are different, are customized specifically for you and may even at times be used instead of orthodontic procedures. Your dentist will be able to make that determination after a thorough exam and probably x-rays. If he/she finds that orthodontic treatment would be more appropriate in your case they will likely refer you to an orthodontist they know and trust.
Dental veneers are typically used for certain types of conditions such as spaces between teeth, stained or discolored teeth and crooked, broken or chipped teeth. They can also be placed over existing crowns. The key as to whether you might be a candidate for the procedure is that your teeth and gums are healthy and strong.
In the past, crowns would be the solution for the conditions mentioned. With the advent of veneers, a more viable, painless and aesthetically pleasing alternative became available. The process involved is much simpler than restorative crowns and can be completed in just two dental visits.
The first step in the procedure will involve some trimming of the enamel on the front of your teeth to approximately the same thickness of the veneer. This is important because the overall thickness of your teeth will not be changed too dramatically. If decay is present, the dentist will take care of that right away. This part of the process can be completed without the use of anesthesia, but it is always available if needed. You can talk to the dentist prior to the procedure about this.
Following the trimming the dentist will use a shade guide with various shades to ascertain which one matches your teeth the best. At times different colors may be used for different teeth to achieve a more natural look. Once the appropriate color(s) has been determined, an impression will be done of the tooth or teeth and the surrounding gums and teeth. This is what will actually be used to create your veneers. The impression is generally sent to a laboratory and will be ready in approximately two weeks. At times a temporary one may be made for aesthetic purposes.
Once it has been created and returned from the lab, your dentist will place your permanent veneer. Because the dentist wants to ensure a proper fit and color, he/she may need to fine tune your smile a little. If the color is not quite the shade desired, the dentist can change it little by little until the match is as close as possible. Bonding to the current tooth will complete the process. Generally, the dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure that all is well.
