If you're wondering what you should know about veneers, here is your general dentist guide. Learn more about it here today!

Smiling can impact your life in many ways. It can help you appear more attractive, improve your mood, relieve stress, and help you make an excellent first impression.

Of course, if you aren't happy with your teeth's appearance, it can make smiling more difficult. You may cover your mouth with your palm when laughing or purse your lips together when smiling for a picture.

These days, there's no reason to be self-conscious about your teeth. With advances in cosmetic dentistry, there are plenty of solutions available for those who feel embarrassed about their smile. One such solution is veneers, which is one of the standard general dentist procedures.

This article will present an in-depth explanation of veneers so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are essentially shells that attach to the front of teeth. Their purpose is to cover up several superficial flaws that may make a person feel uncomfortable about their appearance. Since they resemble and feel just like real teeth, they blend in with the patient's natural teeth.

Porcelain vs. Resin Veneers

There are two types of tooth veneers. The first and most popular type is porcelain, and the second is composite resin. You can decide which type is right for you by comparing the following factors.

Time

Most dentists can apply composite resin veneers in just one office visit.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, take at least two appointments because a laboratory is responsible for manufacturing them.

Aesthetics

Since porcelain is translucent, it resembles a natural tooth much more than resin. Also, it is stain resistant. That means that if you get veneers on your upper and lower front teeth, you will no longer have to worry about whitening treatments.

Composite resin is still a great alternative to porcelain. Just like natural teeth, you will have to worry about stains. If at any point you are unhappy with your composite veneers, you can have them removed and switch to their porcelain counterparts.

Durability

Porcelain veneers are fragile, but when bonded to a healthy tooth, they are very durable. They can endure anywhere from ten to fifteen years with proper hygiene and care. Nevertheless, if a porcelain veneer is damaged, it has to be removed and replaced.

Composite resin veneers can be chipped or damaged more easily because they are not as strong as porcelain. Therefore, they typically last four to eight years. However, your dentist can repair them if they are damaged and usually doesn't have to replace them altogether.

Cost

Porcelain veneers are usually more expensive than those made from composite resin. The higher cost is a result of the work that goes into making the veneer in the lab. However, if you consider replacing resin veneers' recurring costs, porcelain veneers are cheaper in the long run.

What Problems Can Veneers Treat?

Dentists commonly use veneers to improve the appearance of a patient's teeth. Some prevalent cosmetic problems that veneers can treat are:

Gaps in teeth
Broken or chipped teeth
Smaller-than-average teeth
Severe stains or discoloration that dentists can't repair with whitening treatments
Pointed or oddly shaped teeth

Sometimes orthodontic treatments are needed before you can get veneers. Your general dentist will make a treatment plan specific to your dental issues.

Veneers Procedure

Before receiving veneers, you will have a consultation with a dentist. They will likely take an x-ray of your teeth to make sure you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment. Since the veneer has to be matched to your existing teeth's color, you may wish to have whitening treatments before getting your veneers made.

Composite Resin Veneers Process

To create a composite resin veneer, your dentist will start by cleaning your tooth and applying glue to the surface. Then, they will add multiple layers of resin until they are satisfied with the shape. Finally, the dentist will polish the veneer to create the completed look.

Porcelain Veneers Process

If you are getting porcelain veneers, your general anesthesia dentist will start by trimming down your tooth so that the veneer can align properly with your other teeth. Next, he or she will need to take an impression of your tooth.

The dentist will send the impression of your tooth to a laboratory, where technicians will make your veneer. Since manufacturing may take a week or two, your dentist will prepare a temporary veneer for you to use in the meantime.

At your following appointment, your dentist will place the permanent veneer on your tooth. He or she will use a specialized light that activates the chemicals in the bonding cement, causing it to dry quickly. After checking your bite and removing any excess glue, you will be free to go.

Caring for Your Veneers

There is no recovery time for veneers. Once the dentist places them, you can eat and chew as normal. However, there are some precautions that you must take to make your veneers last longer.

Avoid chewing on hard objects
Eat harder foods with your back teeth
Cut your food up into smaller pieces
Use a mouthguard when playing sports
If you grind your teeth, get a retainer
Don't open packages with your teeth

Additionally, you should maintain good oral hygiene. That includes brushing and flossing regularly. By doing so, you will not only preserve your veneers but also prevent cavities and other oral problems that can jeopardize your beautiful new smile.

Visit Your General Dentist to Get a Picture-Perfect Smile

With so many reasons to smile, you shouldn't have to feel self-conscious about how your teeth make you look. Veneers are the perfect solution to treating your cosmetic dental issues. They can give you the smile of your dreams in just a few office visits.

If you are thinking about getting veneers and want to know if they are a good fit for you, don't hesitate to contact us at Tabas Center for Advanced Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. As a general dentist office, we are experts at many dental services, including veneers.

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