It’s summer in Memphis, and that means going out and enjoying the sun, taking vacations with friends and family and taking photos of those fun summer moments. Are you someone that keeps your mouth closed because you feel a little embarrassed about what is behind it? That’s ok, many of us do the same thing. But Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry does not want you to feel self-conscious when you are supposed to be enjoying your time on holiday. Having that extra boost to your self-confidence can make you stop worrying about what you look like in those photos.
Sometimes a teeth cleaning doesn’t get all of the stains or can fix unwanted gaps in your teeth. If you are looking for a cosmetic solution, you might want to look into veneers. You may be unaware of what exactly veneers are and how they can help with your smile. Well, that’s something we’re more than qualified to talk to you about! After all, we are dedicated to making personalized care you and your teeth our top priority. Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry can help you decide if this is the right option for you and what getting veneers all entails.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic option for your teeth to cover up discoloration, cracked or chipped teeth, fill in gaps, and brighten teeth. The dentist uses a thin piece of porcelain to recreate the natural look of white teeth; it also mimics the strength and resilience of tooth enamel. The porcelain is customized individually for each tooth and is placed where the original enamel was. The process to put veneers on the patient’s teeth can take a couple of procedures, but for most patients, it is entirely worth it.
Veneers are usually made from either a porcelain compound or a resin. The porcelain tends to look more like natural teeth as they reflect light in the same manner. The resin option requires you to remove less of the enamel before it bonds to the surface of the tooth. After 2-3 visits, you can complete you veneer treatment, and with the right attention, they can usually last about 12-15 years.
What are Veneers for?
Veneers can correct several different issues, so if one of these applies to you, you might want to ask your dentist if veneers are right for you. Discoloration occurs from eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages such as coffee, lemons, wine, and nicotine. Veneers can help by making your teeth an all natural pearly white. If you have chipped or broken teeth, your veneers can give you back a beautiful smile. Also, if you are one of those people that is prone to grinding your teeth, it can help reshape them as well. If there are gaps in your teeth, they can contribute to filling those for a more wholesome smile.
What are the advantage and disadvantages?
Now you know what veneers are for you need to know what the pros and cons you inherit when you go through this type of dental treatment.
Advantages
- Provides a natural tooth color
- It makes dark teeth give the appearance of being whiter
- They can change the shape and color of your teeth in a short time
- Just as sharp as healthy teeth so you can eat what you’re used to
- Fills in gaps in teeth to make a more finely shaped smile
Disadvantages
- Getting veneers is irreversible
- Veneers are not repairable if you chip or break them; you will have to get an entirely new replacement
- Once veneers have been placed, you can not change the color
- Your teeth will still age even with the veneers, so you need regular check-ups to make sure they still fit
What is the procedure?
Getting veneers requires is a three-step process. You will visit the dentist for a consultation and discuss the treatment plan. You will explain what you are looking to improve about your teeth and decide if getting veneers is right for you. Sometimes veneers are not for everyone: the teeth may be too far decayed, or an orthodontic treatment would be better. If veneers are the route you and your dentist have decided, you will then have x-rays and impressions of your teeth made.
The next two visits involve the preparation and bonding of the veneers to your teeth. The dentist will take off about ½ millimeter of enamel off of the tooth surface, which is about how large the porcelain veneers are. He may use a numbing agent during this procedure just in case there is any discomfort. Afterward, the dentist will make a model and send it to a laboratory for about 2-4 weeks.
Before the dentist bonds the veneers to your teeth, they will first make the sure that the color matches and that the shapes are correct. During this process, the dentist will trim and size the veneers so that they fit your teeth perfectly. Afterward, the veneers will be cleaned, polished and etched so that the veneers will bond more easily to the teeth. The process of applying the veneers to the teeth involves putting a special cement on them and shining a particular kind of light beam on them. This activates the chemicals in the cement to trigger the bonding process and speeds up the process. Afterward, the dentist will remove any excess material and make sure that the bite is correct. You will then come back to the dentist after a few days to make sure the veneers had adhered to the teeth and operate well alongside the gums.
With veneers, you don’t have to do anything special to take care of them; just regular brushing and flossing will do the trick! If there are any chips or cracks in the porcelain, you should contact your dentist immediately. As for the cost, it depends on the person and how extensive the procedure is, but most dental insurance covers the veneer procedure, and we will work with you to provide affordable care to you. Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best dental care possible in the Memphis area. If you are interested in getting veneers or have any other dental questions feel free to give us a call at (901)681-0011 or schedule a free consultation. Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry has an experienced and knowledgeable team that would love to take care of all of your cosmetic and family dental care.