Top movie stars and media personalities seem to have uncanny abilities to present flawlessly beautiful smiles, and veneers are the open secret behind many of Hollywood’s famously gorgeous grins. While these amazing devices can be great ways to address a host of aesthetic dental issues like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains, many people may be hesitant to commit to receiving them if they aren’t sure how they feel. Here’s a quick guide to how veneers work, how they are placed, and what wearing them feels like.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are cosmetic appliances designed to be irremovably fixed upon teeth to reshape them or address defects like cracks, gaps, chips, and stains. These thin ceramic chips are carefully crafted to mimic the ideal appearance of natural enamel, so casual observers should not be able to distinguish them from your natural dental structure when you wear them. Placing these devices requires the permanent alteration of the treated teeth, so the teeth that receive them will have to wear them for life for protection against injury and infection. Veneers can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement if they receive excellent care.
How Are Veneers Placed?
The patient will need to be free from oral infections before receiving veneers, and your dentist will be happy to address gum disease or tooth decay with an appropriate restorative treatment if necessary to prepare you for the treatment. When you are ready, you will be scheduled for two appointments about two weeks apart. They will probably go like this:
- First appointment: Your dentist will begin by applying an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain during the process. Then, they will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated, take bite impressions, and place temporary veneers so you can get used to wearing them. You’ll then be sent on your way.
- Second appointment: This part of the process will happen after your customized final veneers are completed. When you see your dentist for your second appointment, they will remove the temporary veneers, cement the final ones in place, and make any final adjustments. You’ll then be ready to show off your transformed smile.
What Do Veneers Feel Like?
Veneers are crafted from ceramic materials that look and feel almost exactly like natural enamel. Your devices should blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile, and eating with them should feel perfectly normal after you get used to wearing them. While you may notice a slight difference in texture when you run your tongue along the edges of your teeth, your veneers should be incredibly comfortable.
Don’t let treatable dental defects make you less willing to show off your lovely grin. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes earned his dental degree at the Temple University School of Dentistry and has completed many hours of continuing education coursework in areas like cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Dyer offers general, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as veneers. To schedule your consultation for veneers, contact him online or dial (219) 322-3418.