Are you uncomfortable with your smile, as if you are missing the perfect color or shape? The good news is cosmetic dentistry has a bunch of treatment options for fixing aesthetic concerns. Dental veneers are one of the common and most popular ways to fix a smile. Before you consider seeking a consultation for veneers in Columbia, SC, here are some things to know.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are very thin porcelain pieces that are made to alter the color and shape of your teeth to give you a whiter smile. These are customized for every patient and made in a dental lab. The porcelain veneers are fixed to the frontal surface of the teeth. Depending on your concerns, your dentist may recommend this as an option. In some cases, porcelain veneers are considered an alternative to crowns.
Are dental veneers permanent?
Like with most dental restorative procedures and treatments, veneers are not permanent either. While the process is permanent, dental veneers must be replaced at some point. However, veneers are usually very durable and can last many years.
When should you consider dental veneers?
Most commonly, dental veneers are used for cosmetic reasons. The eventual goal is to create a uniform and beautiful smile. In some cases, dental veneers may also help fix crooked or misshaped teeth. If you have extremely stained or discolored teeth and normal whitening procedures wouldn’t suffice, you may benefit from dental veneers. The option also works when you have teeth that are too large or small and to fix gaps between teeth.
What is the procedure like?
You will need at least two appointments to get dental veneers. The first appointment involves buffing the teeth to make room for the veneers, for which your dentist may consider little or no anesthesia. Once there is space for the veneers, an impression of the teeth is taken. Your dentist will also discuss the shade you want, allowing you to decide if you need whiter teeth. The dentist will order the dental veneers from a lab. On your second visit, the dentist will clean your teeth and place bonding cement between the teeth and dental veneers. A special light is used to harden and fix the shells to the frontal surface.
Wrapping up
You will have to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure that your dental veneers last longer. Most people enjoy the advantages for a long time.
