What Are Veneers?

First, let's cover the question that may have brought you here in the first place: what are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-colored shells designed to attach to the front surface of your teeth. They're usually made with either resin-composite or porcelain materials, allowing them to blend in with your natural smile. These materials also ensure the veneers are created with durability in mind. 

Attaching a veneer to a tooth can improve the tooth's overall appearance. Your Largo, FL dentist might recommend veneers if you have cosmetic concerns like:

• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Discoloration
• Broken teeth
• Chipped teeth

You can schedule a consultation appointment to determine if a dental veneer suits your needs and concerns. 

Otherwise, your dentist might recommend a crown or dental implant.

Remember, veneers are designed to only cover the surface of a damaged tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, are designed to encase an entire tooth.

Veneers are also thinner than crowns; while veneers are about 1 mm, crowns are about twice as thick.

Choosing veneers ensures a less invasive procedure, too. If your dentist decides you need a crown, they'll need to file part of your tooth before they can apply it. This process isn't necessary if you're getting a veneer placed.

An implant, however, is installed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Then, a crown is placed on top of the bone. You'll need months before the implant can heal (osseointegration) before your dentist can put the crown in place.

Speak with your Largo dentist to determine which procedure is right for you. 

Types of Veneers

Your dentist might recommend different types of veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. When choosing between these types, consider:

• Your dentist's recommendation
• Cost
• The appearance of the veneers
• Longevity of the veneers
• Length of time for installation

Your dentist can help you make a more informed decision.

Remember, most veneers are created with either composite resin or porcelain. They require intensive prep work. However, your dentist might also recommend "no-prep" veneers, which require a different process. 

To apply traditional veneers, your dentist might need to grind down the tooth structure. In some cases, they need to remove part of your tooth to ensure proper placement. The procedure usually requires a local anesthetic, as it can be painful. 

For porcelain veneers, your dentist will need to grind down part of the tooth. Then, they'll make an impression to create a mold, which is sent to a lab.

Once the veneer is ready, they'll place it on your tooth and cement it into place.

Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology, allowing a computer to design the veneer in the office.

If you choose composite resin veneers, the dentist will etch the surface of your tooth first. Then, they'll apply the composure material to the tooth. In some cases, they'll add layers to achieve your desired look.

Then, they'll cure (harden) the veneer using a special light. 

The Benefits

Most people choose veneers to improve the appearance of a damaged tooth, thereby improving the appearance of their smiles. About 70% of people in America already feel self-conscious about their teeth. Over 60% want to change something about their smiles as a result. 

With veneers, you can improve the appearance of your smile without undergoing an intensive or costly procedure. 

Dental veneers can fix many cosmetic issues, including broken or chipped teeth. They can also remedy discoloration or uneven coloring when a tooth whitening procedure doesn't work. 

As a bonus, veneers are made to last for over a decade (depending on the type of veneer). You can ensure your veneers last by following your dentist's advised aftercare plan. 

How Do They Work?

First, your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth to evaluate your oral health. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, they might decide you're not an ideal candidate for treatment.

They'll trim about half a millimeter of the tooth before making an impression on your teeth. It takes about one to two weeks before they get your veneers back from the lab. Then, you'll schedule an appointment to have them placed.

Using dental cement, your Largo, FL dentist will bond the veneer to your tooth. Ultraviolet light will harden the cement to ensure it's fixed in place. This appointment usually doesn't take longer than two hours. 

Aftercare

Don't forget to talk to your dentist about how to best take care of your veneers. Their dental veneer tips will ensure they remain fixed in place. They could last 10 to 20 years, though you can take precautions to extend their lifespan.

For example, you can:

• Avoid chewing hard objects (nails, ice, pens)
• Avoid opening packages using your teeth
• Wearing a retainer at night to avoid grinding
• Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports

The recovery process won't take an extended period (as it does with many other procedures). Once the veneers are cemented into place, you can chew, drink, and eat as you usually would. 

Talk to Your Dentist in Largo, FL About Dental Veneers Today

Want to improve the appearance of your smile? Talk to your dentist in Largo, FL about dental veneers. With this procedure, you can fix a damaged tooth for a stunning, complete smile.

Discover if this cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for you!

Eager to get started? We can't wait to see you.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.