Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental restorative procedure that consists of shells of porcelain or composite resin shaped and bonded to the front of your natural teeth to improve their appearance. At Gentle Dental Center, we have seen dental veneers tremendously improve clients’ confidence when they had previously been self-conscious about imperfections in their teeth.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Veneers are an excellent way to improve your smile. Patients often inquire about veneers who have:
- Surface discoloration of their teeth
- Chipped, broken, or worn-down teeth
- Uneven or misshapen teeth
- Unusually small or shortened teeth
- Tooth spacing issues, such as gaps (which veneers can close)
What Can I Expect from Dental Treatment with Veneers?
Making your custom dental veneers will take a few weeks, but the treatment process is straightforward, usually involving several office visits. Here are the steps your treatment typically involves:
- Preliminary Consultation. Here, you will discuss your reasons for requesting veneers and set up a plan for the procedure. Your dentist may complete a clinical evaluation and take X-rays of your mouth and teeth.
- Taking an impression of your teeth. Your dentist will send them to a dental laboratory for preparation. This takes approximately one to two weeks.
- Remove a very thin layer (about .5 millimeters) of your tooth enamel to make room for your veneers. Your dentist will discuss with you whether you wish to have the enamel removed using a local anesthetic. (The newest type of veneers, known as minimally invasive veneers, does not require the removal of a thin layer of your tooth’s enamel.)
- Fit veneers to teeth. When your veneers return from the lab, you will return to your dentist’s office to ensure that they fit correctly. Your dentist will test the fit on each tooth you are having fixed and repeatedly trim each veneer as needed. Your dentist will affix your veneers to your teeth with special dental cement. The color of the dental cement selected adjusts the color of each veneer. An ultraviolet light is then shined on your new veneers for 60 seconds so that the dental cement hardens during the procedure.
- Follow-up visit. Your dentist will request that you come back into the office for a follow-up visit after a few weeks of wearing your new veneers to make sure they remain properly placed and your gums have acclimated to the new restoration. Comfortable veneers last longest.
Please contact one of our offices, Holland Rd: (757) 431-1300 • Landstown: (757) 431-2200 or request an appointment online if you have any questions or concerns about obtaining dental veneers. At Gentle Dental Center, we are eager to help you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile — as well as newfound confidence at work, play, and home.
