Veneers
 At Elite Dental of Natick, we believe everyone deserves the smile of their dreams! Cosmetic treatments, such as dental veneers, have exploded in popularity over the last few decades. Veneers, which are considered a conservative alternative to full-coverage dental crowns, can drastically improve the appearance of a damaged or aesthetically-displeasing tooth. If you want a healthier, more beautiful smile, dental veneers may be the ideal solution!
What Are Veneers?
A veneer is a dental restoration that covers the visible portion of an anterior (front) tooth. This razor-thin appliance is custom-designed to the contour of an existing tooth and then bonded to the enamel. We frequently use veneers to fix:
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Teeth with severe discolorations or intrinsic stains
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Teeth that are fractured, broken, or chipped
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Significant gaps between teeth
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Misalignments or abnormally-shaped teeth
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Teeth with significant enamel wear
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Teeth that otherwise need a cosmetic modification |
These days, most veneers are made using a ceramic material known as porcelain. While veneers can also be fabricated using composite resin, porcelain is far more durable and aesthetically-pleasing. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between your porcelain veneers and natural teeth.
The Veneer Procedure
Before we can schedule your procedure, we must first determine whether or not veneers are right for you. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Bethany Polnar will use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure you qualify for treatment. Digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and CBCT scans give us a more comprehensive understanding of your current oral health.
Once we conclude that veneers are right for you, we will develop an individualized treatment plan. The number of veneers we suggest depends on your desired results. Some people only need one veneer, while others need up to eight to produce a more balanced appearance.
Most veneers require a minor reshaping of the enamel, much less than conventional dental crowns. During your procedure, we will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. We will then take an impression of each tooth receiving a veneer.
Your impressions will be used by our laboratory technicians to fabricate your porcelain veneers. This process usually takes a few weeks to complete. Once your veneers are ready, we can schedule your final appointment.
At your final visit, we will remove any temporaries (if necessary) and check the fit of your new veneers. In some cases, we need to trim excess material, which prevents additional problems with your bite. Once we are satisfied with the fit, we will cement each veneer in place.
Caring for Your Veneers
According to the American Dental Association, your new veneers should be treated like your natural teeth, with a strong oral hygiene routine. Be sure to use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to prevent scratching your new restorations. We also suggest scheduling regular checkups and cleanings twice a year, about every six months.
It is important to note that your veneers will need to be repaired or replaced at some point. However, proper care and maintenance can drastically improve the longevity of your new teeth. Talk with Dr. Bethany Polnar during your appointments if you have any questions or concerns.
Find out If Veneers Are Right for You!
If you would like to learn more about veneers, our team is happy to help. Call (508) 319-9339 to schedule your consultation appointment now! |
