Dental veneers are the perfect choice for patients seeking to completely makeover their smiles. In fact, celebrities often have veneers placed because of the quick process and realistic results. If you’re considering dental veneers, you probably have loads of questions about the creation and payment process, results, and effectiveness.
In this blog, our Lombard dentist addresses the most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers. To learn more, schedule your initial consultation today!
1. Am I a candidate for dental veneers?
Dentists often recommend dental veneers to patients with the following cosmetic dental problems:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Minor misalignment
Before placing dental veneers, dentists will check to make sure the patient is in good oral health. This includes being free from gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. However, these problems can be reversed or corrected before the process begins.
Patients should also have enough dental enamel on the teeth being made over. Any of these problems can impede the success and longevity of the veneers.
2. How are the veneers designed?
Dentists work alongside their patients and with a dental lab technician to create a customized, beautiful smile with dental veneers. Patients usually have a pretty good idea of what they want their smiles to look like and may even bring pictures for reference. The dentist will apply those preferences to the patient’s smile, making sure to consider their face shape, lip symmetry, gumline, and tooth color.
The dental lab technician will carefully craft each veneer and send them to the dentist when they are prepared.
3. How are they placed?
Placing dental veneers requires precision and attention-to-detail. That’s why it is so important to choose an experienced dentist to complete your smile makeover.
Dentists must remove a small amount of dental enamel from the patient’s teeth to create a strong dental bond. Without this step, the veneers will appear horse-like. At this point, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab where the veneers are fabricated. Temporary restorations may be placed until the next appointment.
Once the veneers arrive at the dentist’s office, the temporary restorations are removed, and the dental veneers are bonded to the prepped teeth.
4. What is the maintenance like for porcelain veneers?
Immediately following placement, patients may experience mild dental sensitivity or tenderness. However, once these subside, patients can expect the veneers to feel just like their natural teeth.
To maintain the veneers, patients must commit to a good oral hygiene routine. This includes:
- Brushing two times per day
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Avoiding potentially damaging foods
- Breaking bad habits like biting fingernails
- Visiting the dentist regularly
5. How long do they last?
When patients do take proper care of their teeth, their dental veneers can last 20 years or longer. However, on average, they last about 10 years.
Dental Veneers in Lombard, IL
Our Lombard dentist, Dr. Julie Glud places dental veneers for patients of all ages who are seeking a perfect smile. Her experience, skill, and eye for detail make her the best person for the job.
At Dental Care of Lombard, your smile goals are our priority. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your ideal smile through cosmetic dentistry, call our office today at (630) 629-5700.
