Everything You Need to Know if You're Getting Veneers

There are a number of dental procedures that are designed to improve the smile and also protect the teeth. Dental veneers are excellent examples of devices that accomplish both these goals. If your dentist is recommending veneers for some reason, it pays to learn all you can about them. Here are some essentials that will help you understand what one or more Toronto porcelain veneers will do for you.

What is a Dental Veneer?

Dental veneersare shells designed to encase teeth that have sustained some type of damage. The damage may be a crack or it could be teeth that no longer have a sufficient amount of enamel present. Some sort of bonding agent is applied to ensure the veneers remain in place.

While there are other options, porcelain is the most popular material for veneers today. The porcelain resists staining and provides a look that is hard to differentiate from the appearance of healthy teeth.

What Conditions Can Be Treated Using Veneers?

Your North York dentist may recommend porcelain veneers for several reasons. Teeth that are worn down or that have sustained damage like chips or cracks are prime examples. If there is little enamel left on the tooth, a veneer will help provide protection as well as improve the appearance. Toronto porcelain veneers can also be used to close small gaps between front teeth or alter the appearance

How is the Procedure Done?

The process of installing dental veneers begins with undergoing a series of tests to determine the general condition of the tooth. This involves taking X-rays and other methods to ensure the basic tooth structure is sound enough to support the veneer. Assuming that the tooth is basically sound, the procedure can continue.

Next, it’s necessary to remove a small portion of the tooth surface. This is done to ensure the bonding agent used to secure the veneer in position will set properly. It’s also at this point the dentist will make an impression of the teeth. That impression is used to prepare a custom set of veneers. After the impression is taken, the dental team will apply a temporary set of veneers. Those will protect the teeth until the custom set is ready.

A third appointment is necessary to install the permanent veneers. The dental team will remove the temporary set and apply the bonding agent. Each veneer is carefully applied to the individual teeth and tested to ensure it’s firmly in position.

What are Some of the Benefits of Getting Veneers?

Toronto porcelain veneers restore the look of healthy teeth. They also provide protection for teeth that are weakened due to an accident, wear and tear, and other issues. They are not known to irritate gum tissue, and they can make it much easier for the patient to feel comfortable in social situations instead of wondering what others are thinking about the teeth.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Good oral hygiene is still important and will extend the life of the veneers. The patient can expect them to last for up to ten years, provided they are cared for properly. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups all help the veneers to last for a longer period of time.

Are veneers right for you? The only way to know for sure is to arrange for a dental exam. Once it’s completed, you and your dentist can determine what treatments would improve the look of your teeth and also keep them healthy.