What You Should Know About Dental Veneers
What You Should Know About Dental Veneers
Aging comes with a lot of health problems including dental imperfections such as chipped, crooked and discolored teeth. As we age, some of us also suffer from minor malocclusion, crowding, or unsightly gaps between the teeth. And in many cases, these minor dental flaws can affect our confidence and self-esteem. At Scottsdale’s Sonoran Dental Design, we understand how important your smile is, which is why we want to offer you a long-lasting solution for these problems—affordable and quality Dental Veneers.
What are Dental Veneers?
Designed to improve one’s smile, dental veneers are thin, medical-grade ceramic shells used to cover the front surface of the teeth. These are often available in either porcelain or resin materials. Porcelain veneers are best in resisting stains and imitating the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Alternatively, resin veneers are thinner and only require minimal tooth surface removal prior to its placement.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Generally, Dental Veneers are recommended for the following dental problems:
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Chips
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Cracks
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Discoloration
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Gaps between teeth
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Periodontal and overall oral health
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Minor misalignment
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Proper oral care and hygiene
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Insufficient amount of healthy enamel
Procedure
To ensure that it is the best solution to the patient’s dental problem, an extensive consultation is required prior to the installation of dental veneers. At Scottsdale’s Sonoran Dental Design, our dentist is consigned to the task of thoroughly explaining the involved procedure and expected results. The first consultation involves examining your teeth, taking x-rays and possibly making impressions of your mouth.
During the second consultation, the dentist will be preparing the damaged teeth for the surgery. Half millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface will be removed—this is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Local anesthesia will be administered if needed.
Next, an impression of your tooth will be sent out to a dental laboratory, wherein the veneers will be made. This could take 1 to 2 weeks of waiting. In the meantime, you can use temporary dental veneers.
The last consultation involves the permanent installation of the dental veneers. First, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to assess if it fits the size and color. If necessary, it will be repeatedly removed and trimmed. Then, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched for a strong bonding process. Before it is permanently placed, special cement will be applied to the veneer. Once it is properly positioned, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer to activate chemicals in the cement making it harden as fast as possible. Finally, any excess cement will be removed. The dentist will then evaluate your bite and make any necessary final adjustments in the veneer.
For further inquiries about dental veneers, you can consult with Scottsdale’s Sonoran Dental Design. It is our priority to help you choose the best solution for a brighter and better smile!
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sielicki, contact our office at (480) 419-9595.
(Porcelain Veneers by Dr. Ann Sielicki in Above Before and After Photos.)