A beautiful smile can go a long way towards boosting confidence in any setting. Unfortunately, years of chewing, grinding, and staining can start to wear on your teeth.
There are many solutions to yellowed or chipped teeth, including standard whitening strips. However, to achieve a flawless smile, there are some other options worth considering.
One of these options is veneers. This cosmetic procedure is popular among A-list celebrities, including Chrissy Teigen! But veneers are not for everyone.
At our dental clinic in NW Calgary, we believe it is important for our patients to know some essential facts before scheduling an appointment at our practice. Read on to learn everything about this treatment option:
What Exactly are Veneers?
Veneers are used to alter the shape, colour, and positioning of the mouth. They are created by bonding a thin layer of porcelain to the tooth. These results are permanent and require careful consideration of all aspects before the procedure.
So, What Should You Know?
Understanding that veneers require a commitment is the first step of treatment. This is an investment in your long-term confidence and smile. When meeting with your dentist, you should ask plenty of questions about the way they conduct the procedure, including the exact anticipated cost.
Decisions surrounding veneers require input from both dentists and patients. For example, you will collaborate to decide the design of the veneers. This includes determining the shade you want.
It is possible to go “too white,” so a dentist can decide the appropriate shade for you. This involves considering your desired outcome, skin tone, and even the white of your eyes. When deciding on veneers, you want to improve your look, but avoiding appearing unnatural. Be prepared to look at several options at the dentist’s office.
Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Another thing you need to know is what makes a good candidate for veneers. If you have short, stained, or yellowed teeth, you could be a candidate. This procedure also works for people with an ageing smile or narrow arch.
Who Should Not Get Veneers?
As we mentioned, veneers are not for everyone! You might not be a good candidate for veneers if you grind or clench your teeth excessively. There also needs to be enough surface area on your teeth to attach a veneer. If the surface is weak or decayed, you might need to find a different route.
These are concerns to share with your dentist when discussing the procedure. The more honest you are with your dentist, the more likely they will be able to determine if you are a solid candidate.
What is Important to Know About Veneers After You Have Them?
Once veneers adhere to your teeth, they are your teeth! If you have created a natural-looking smile, no one will be able to tell you to have them. With that, veneers can crack and chip just as your natural teeth could. This means you should be cautious around hard foods or inedible items. These should be a permanent solution, so treat them as such!
Tell Me More About The Process
Of course, this should be an in-depth conversation with your dentist. There is much to know about how exactly the process works and how much time you need for it. But the process starts with a consultation to determine exactly what you need. You decide the shade, shape, and number of teeth you want to focus on.
In the first visit, tooth enamel is drilled and roughened to prep it for veneers. An impression will be taken and sent to the ceramist while temporary veneers are placed. This allows you to see what the finished product would look like, and your dentist will make any adjustments. The ceramist will create porcelain veneers based on the impressions and your feedback.
In the second visit, those temporary veneers are removed. The customized design is then glued or bonded to your teeth. During both visits, you will be under local anesthesia. The process will not be completely painless, but the results are worth it. There is often gum sensitivity or sensitivity to the bonding agent.
What is The Healing Process Like?
Depending on your level of sensitivity, healing can be very quick or slightly drawn out. Gums can become sore and red from the procedure and take about a week to heal. Your teeth might be slightly sensitive to hot or cold food while the adjustment is happening.
What is New with Veneers?
As with any procedure, there are constant changes and advancements. Finding a dental clinic that is up to date on the latest changes will help you find the best outcome. Veneers have been around for a while, but here are some of the newest advancements and changes:
- The stronger Bonding Process results from stronger bonding agents, which are similar to glue. This keeps the veneers bonded to the tooth for longer.
- Porcelain options that are thinner than previous options. This decreases tooth removal before application. Porcelain is more expensive but looks even more realistic.
- Translucency to the point that you can even go supermodel white! Light can go through the tooth much like with a natural one.
- Gummy Smiles can be lessened with a new laser process that inserts veneers and hides gums.
- Fix Crossbite with veneers. This addresses a bite where your lower teeth protrude slightly more than your upper teeth.
- Combine with Invisalign to fix teeth and straighten them at the same time.
- Overall Dental Facelift for aging smiles and take years off your appearance by fixing back teeth as well.
Check It Out For Yourself!
Our dentist in NW Calgary will determine if veneers are the right procedure for you. A consultation can go a long way in determining if this is the right step for you and a new, beautiful smile.