More than 7.6 million people live on Long Island, making it the most heavily populated island in the entire country. And while some of these people will be fortunate enough to have a healthy smile throughout their lives, others won’t be so lucky. Thankfully, dental science has progressed to the point where it is very possible to create brighter, healthier smiles in a number of ways. Here at Shine Dental Group, we believe that understanding procedures is important for making the right decision about which one you need. With that in mind, understanding porcelain veneers is worth doing.
Porcelain veneers are essentially thin shells of material that cover the front surface of your teeth. The teeth themselves are remained largely unchanged, but this veneer is applied over them which then transforms the look of the teeth. They’ll influence everything if needed, and veneers will change:
- Color
- Shape
- Length
- Size
In other words, veneers are a fast and convenient way to quickly modify your smile for the better, and they can deliver serious changes if you’re looking for the kind of improved self-esteem and confidence that veneers bring with them.
The procedure is fairly straightforward, too.
- You’ll start with an initial consultation visit that lets you and your dental professional talk about veneers and whether or not they’re right for you. We’ll usually take x-rays and could go ahead and start making impressions of your teeth if needed, but the focus here is simply ensuring that veneers are the right choice for you.
- Next, your teeth will be prepared for the veneer. This involves removing around 1/2 millimeter of the tooth enamel from the front of the tooth. Usually, local anesthetic will be used to prevent pain and discomfort. At this point, the model impression is made of your teeth and is then sent to a dental lab.
- The lab creates the veneer using the mold of your teeth. After about 2 weeks, the veneers are sent back to us and you’re ready for the final stage.
- The bonding process involves cementing the veneers permanently to the existing teeth. However, first we’ll do a dry fit and trim the veneer if needed to ensure that you get the right fit and the best look. Color is altered based on the cement used to apply the veneer.
- There might be a follow up visit to check in on your progress, but essentially you’ll be ready to start enjoying your brighter smile after this simple procedure.
If you’re thinking of improving your smile, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out more about porcelain veneers and any other potential cosmetic dental procedure that could help your smile.
