Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that involves tooth-colored caps on the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. You might need veneers if you have severe tooth stains, discoloration, or a fractured tooth. Veneers might also be necessary after a root canal treatment. Contact your dentist in The Dalles, OR for veneers.
The first step in getting veneers is consulting with the dentist about the type and number of dental veneers you want. The dentist will examine your teeth and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental veneers. They’ll then take photos and X-rays of your teeth to create a mock-up smile of the final result.
The dentist will prepare your teeth for the dental veneers by removing a small portion of the enamel to create room for the veneers. They’ll then use dental putty or digital models to create impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to an external lab to create custom veneers for your teeth.
You might get temporary veneers that give you a feel of what having veneers feels like and a preview of how they’ll look on your teeth. Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will apply a special adhesive on the enamel followed by the veneers, then cure them using a special light.
A few follow-up visits are necessary to ensure the structural integrity of your veneers and address any issues with the installation. After these follow-up visits, all you have to do is take proper care of your veneers and enjoy your beautiful, bright smile!
Porcelain veneers purely serve an aesthetic purpose and are ideal for patients with discolored or cracked teeth. They look natural, are among the most durable veneers, and can last up to 15 years with proper care. They’re also the thinnest type of veneer and dentists rarely need to shave down the enamel before applying them.
Ceramic veneers are a preferred choice for many patients because of their appearance and durability. They also mimic the tooth’s natural appearance, but are thicker and take longer to fabricate.
Composite veneers are ideal for patients looking for a cost-effective veneer option. They’re also faster compared to other types of veneers since they require less preparation. However, they’re less durable than other types and are prone to chips and cracking.
Getting dental veneers is a painless process. The dentist might use a local anesthetic while shaving down the enamel to numb the teeth to ensure your comfort.