Dental veneer refers to a thin layer of porcelain designed to fit over the surface of a tooth. Dental veneers also go by the name porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates. Veneers are tooth-colored and once fitted; they resemble the natural color of your teeth. If you are seeking to enhance your appearance and your smile, you may consider getting dental veneers. Ganji Dental is an expert in fitting dental veneers that are not only aesthetically appealing but also long-lasting. We offer a wide range of dental services in Hawthorne, California.

Overview of Dental Veneers

Once bonded to the front of your teeth, dental veneers can help to change the color, size, length, and shape of your teeth. Dental veneers come in handy in fixing a wide range of dental problems. For instance, if you have stained/discolored teeth, you can benefit from dental veneers. Tooth stains may result from other dental procedures, including root canal treatment or excessive fluoride. Tooth stains may also result from using tetracycline and other drugs. The presence of resin fillings may also discolor your teeth. You do not have to worry because you can use dental veneers to conceal the stained teeth and improve your appearance. 

You may also use dental veneers to support worn out teeth. For instance, if your teeth are chipped or broken, veneers can help to hold the tooth together. A veneer covers the entire front part of your tooth, helping to replace the broken part. A veneer will make your chipped tooth look complete again. If you have uneven, misaligned, or irregularly shaped teeth, you may also benefit from dental veneers. Dental veneers may also help to close the space between teeth if you have teeth with gaps. Veneers are mainly used to close small gaps in teeth when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one of your teeth is slightly out of position, veneers may help to bring the teeth in line with the others.

Fitting a Dental Veneer

To get dental veneers, you may make up to three visits to the dentist. The first visit entails undergoing dental examination and consultation. The other two dental appointments involve making and applying dental veneers. A dentist may carry out the veneering process on one tooth or several teeth at the same time. The procedure of fitting dental veneers will be discussed below.

Consultation and Diagnosis

You have to participate in this stage actively. Explain to your dentist about what you desire to achieve after the dental procedure. For instance, you may be seeking to improve your smile and the general appearance of your teeth. The dentist will carefully examine your teeth to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for dental veneers. The doctor may also explain to you what the veneering process entails. You should also understand the limitations of the process. While examining your teeth, the dentist may take some x-rays to determine the condition of your teeth. 

Preparation

This is the second step after the doctor decides that you are an appropriate candidate for dental veneers.  The doctor has to prepare your tooth before fitting the dental veneers. The dentist may remove up to ½ millimeter enamel from your teeth. This will help make room for the dental veneers. The ½ millimeter thickness is almost the same thickness as the veneers that the dentist will fit on your teeth.  The doctor may use local anesthesia to numb your mouth prior to scraping the enamel of your tooth. 

The dentist has to make an impression or a model of your tooth. The doctor then sends your tooth's model to a dental laboratory, which designs and constructs your veneers. You may have to wait for several weeks, typically 2-4 weeks to have the veneers designed and sent back to your dentist. As you wait for your veneers to be ready, the dentist may place temporary veneers on your teeth, especially if you have very unsightly teeth.

Bonding

This entails permanently fixing the dental veneers on your teeth. Before your dentist permanently cements the dental veneer on your tooth, he/she will temporarily place the veneers on your teeth. The dentist will then carefully examine the fit and the color of the veneers. To achieve a proper fit, the dentist will repeatedly remove and trim the dental veneer until it fits. To adjust the color of dental veneers, the dentist may use the appropriate shade of cement.

Before placing the veneer on your tooth, the dentist has to clean and polish the teeth. This will help to make the surface of the tooth rough to strengthen the bonding with the dental veneer. The dentist applies special cement on the veneers before finally placing them on your teeth. Upon properly placing the veneers on your teeth, the dentist uses a special beam light. The light helps to activate chemicals within the cement, making it harden and cure instantly.

Finally, the dentist examines your teeth and removes any extra cement. The doctor may also evaluate your bit and make the necessary adjustments. You have to make a follow-up visit to the dental office after several weeks. The doctor will check how your gums are reacting to the presence of the veneer. The dentist will also examine the veneer placement once again to ensure it is perfect.

Benefits/Advantages of Dental Veneers

One of the leading benefits of dental veneers is their ability to provide a natural tooth appearance. Usually, veneers have the same color as your teeth, and their texture is similar to the texture of teeth enamel.  Upon fitting dental veneers, you will look not only beautiful but also natural. People will not be able to tell that you have veneers on.

Mostly, veneers are made from porcelain. Gum tissues tolerate porcelain excellently. Therefore, your gums will not react to the veneers, and you will not have gum inflammation problems. In addition, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant; you will enjoy bright teeth for the rest of your life. 

If you have dark teeth, your dentist can select a veneer color that will make your teeth appear white. Therefore, veneers are adaptable, and it does not matter how damaged or discolored your teeth are, dental veneers can give them a perfect look. With dental veneers, you enjoy a conservative approach to changing the appearance of your teeth. No extensive shaping is necessary prior to fitting dental veneers. Dental veneers will offer you a more aesthetic and stronger alternative to dental crowns.

Shortcomings of Dental Veneers

There are several shortcomings of dental veneers. However, the benefits of dental veneers outweigh the weaknesses. The process of fitting dental veneers is irreversible. Once the dentist shapes your teeth and fits the veneers, you cannot reverse the process.

Dental veneers are also costly compared to composite resin bonding. When planning to have dental veneers, you should ensure you can afford it. However, with many reliable health insurance plans, most people afford to have dental veneers

It is hard to repair dental veneers once the dentist fits them over your teeth. Therefore, when the veneer cracks or chips, it is not repairable

At times, the veneers may not fully match the color of your teeth. Once a dentist fits your veneers, you cannot alter their color. Therefore, you have to choose the color you are comfortable with prior to designing the veneers. In addition, if you plan to whiten your teeth, you should do so prior to getting the veneers.

The process of fitting dental veneers entails removing part of enamel from your teeth. Your tooth may develop sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.

Dental veneers require constant care to enhance durability. Although it is highly unlikely, dental veneers may fall off. To prevent veneers from falling, you should avoid putting excessive pressure on your teeth. Avoid chewing your fingernails, ice, pencils, or other hand objects because this may put pressure on the veneers and make them fall off.

If you have unhealthy teeth, dental veneers may not be the right alternative for you. For instance, you may not benefit from dental veneers if you have active gum disease or tooth decay. Veneers may also not be a good alternative if you have weakened teeth, mainly due to large dental fillings, decay, or fracture. If you have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the surface of your teeth, dental veneers may not be an ideal option for you. 

Veneers cannot prevent your teeth from undergoing further decay. Teeth with veneers may still experience further decay, forcing you to remove the veneers and use dental crowns instead.

You may be a poor candidate for porcelain dental veneers if you tend to grind or clench your teeth. Grinding or clenching your teeth may cause the veneers to chip or crack.

The Durability of Dental Veneers

With proper maintenance, dental veneers may last for seven to fifteen years. After this period, you may have to replace the dental veneers. You do not have to exercise any special care to maintain dental veneers. All that you have to do is observe proper oral hygiene, and the veneers will serve you just right.

Routine maintenance procedures for dental veneers include brushing and flossing your teeth. Regularly rinsing your teeth with an antiseptic is also an ideal maintenance procedure for dental veneers.

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. However, your dentist may still recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and drinks. Some stain-causing beverages include red wine, tea, and coffee. 

Types of Dental Veneers

There are mainly two types of dental veneers: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Your dentist will help you to choose the model that suits you best. Each type has its own advantages.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers consist of a thin custom-made shell that fits on the surface of the tooth. They are strong and long-lasting. The veneers have a natural-looking surface. Porcelain veneers require less enamel to be removed during fitting, unlike the case of dental cap or crown. Also, they do not stain easily.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers are made from tooth-colored filling material often bonded to the tooth. For composite resin veneers, a dentist removes less enamel from the tooth than in the case of dental crowns and porcelain veneers. The veneers are easy to fit, and you may only need to make one visit to the dentist. Composite veneers are not as strong or as water-resistant as porcelain veneers. However, they are quick and easy to repair in case of damage.

FAQs on Dental Veneers

How Many Veneers Do I Require?

The number of dental veneers you will need will depend on several factors, including the dental problems you seek to resolve using the veneers. You should undertake a prosthodontics consultation to help determine the number of veneers you require. It is often advisable to have an even number of veneers. Usually, even veneers like two, four, six, and eight, give the best aesthetic values. 

When Should You Have Dental Veneers Replaced?

Veneers, especially porcelain veneers, are strong and should not break under normal circumstances. However, at times, the root of the tooth may become visible if the gum recession occurs. You may need new dental veneers to cover the exposed roots. Veneers are bonded to existing teeth, and their integrity is marginally compromised. As long as you take good care of your dental veneers, there is no high incidence of decay, and the veneers may serve you for a long time. 

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of dental veneers will vary depending on several factors. The cost will depend on the type of veneers you choose, whether composite or resin. The price will also depend on the number of teeth you intend to cover with dental veneers. The cost will also vary depending on your choice of doctors, as different doctors may have different price quotes. The typical cost of dental veneers ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth. However, the cost will vary depending on the extent of your dental procedure.

Whether dental insurance can cover the cost of installing dental veneers will depend on your insurance company. Most insurance companies may cover up to 50% of the cost of fitting dental veneers. However, it is essential to take some time to talk to the insurance company prior to initiating the veneer fitting process. Ensure that you discuss the procedure with both your insurance company and your prosthodontist.

Is the Veneering Process Painful?

During the veneering process, the dentist makes use of local anesthesia. Therefore, once the numbness takes effect, there should be no pain. Especially in cases involving the fitting of two or four veneers, you may not experience discomfort even after the numbness subsides. In cases involving more veneers, more than eight, you may expect slight soreness of the gums or the jaw once the numbness subsides. You can make use of over the counter medication to suppress the discomfort. 

It may take you a few days to get used to the feel of dental veneers in your mouth. You should let the dentist know if your bite does not feel right after fitting the dental veneers. The dentist will ensure that he/she corrects the position of the dental veneer before you leave the office. 

What Should You Eat After a Veneering Process?

You may be wondering whether you are free to eat your favorite food upon fitting dental veneers.  You can eat most foods after getting dental veneers. Each patient has a different bite; however, it is advisable to eat softer food in the first few days. After you get used to the new bite position, you can start eating hard food. There will be no limitations on what you can eat after several weeks unless you have specific needs. However, the dentist may advise you to avoid certain foods, including hard nuts, apples, hard biscuits, ice, hard candy, and popcorn. 

You may have to give up some bad teeth habits as well. The habits include opening bags with your teeth, straw chewing, fork nibbling, and pulling on clothes using your teeth. You should not do anything that will exert unnecessary pressure on your veneers. 

What Should You Know Prior to Getting Dental Veneers?

Prior to getting veneers, you may request the prosthodontist to show you other cases of veneers they may have fitted before. Consider results for a case that specifically looks like yours. A good prosthodontist should have vast experience gained from treating many similar cases before. A prosthodontist should use a dental lab that specializes in cosmetic dental veneers. You may request the prosthodontist to show you how the veneers look like before he/she permanently places the veneers.

It is possible to preview dental veneers prior to fitting them on the teeth.  The prosthodontist can make a digital smile preview by taking a picture of your face and digitally editing the teeth. This will give you a good idea of the aesthetic outcome of the veneers. This will help you to determine if veneers are the right choice for you.

If dental veneers fail to match other teeth, you prosthodontist can address this concern. It is common for people to get veneers with a whiter shade than the surrounding teeth. However, they undergo teeth whitening on the other teeth to match the color of the veneers.

Gum Contouring When Fitting Veneers

When fitting dental veneers, gum contouring may offer better aesthetic results. Gum contouring aims at lengthening short teeth and creating proper symmetry. Usually, gum contouring does not cause any discomfort during and even after treatment. If your teeth are very short, surgical contouring may be necessary when fitting dental veneers. For a surgical gum contouring, you would have to seek the services of a periodontist. 

One’s Smile Does Not Resemble Everyone’s

Dental veneers can help to improve your smile. When going for dental veneers, most people have a picture of the perfect smile in their minds. For instance, a patient may want an exact smile as that of a celebrity. However, as much as veneers will improve your smile, you will get a unique smile that matches your face best. There is no perfect smile for everyone; however, there is a custom smile for every person. Upon visiting a dental office, you have an idea of what you do not like about your teeth. The work of the prosthodontist is to take what does not work for you and make it work. A smile makeover can do so much for your face aesthetics. 

Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

There are two main alternatives to dental veneers: dental crowns and bonding. Veneers are a good intermediate alternative to bonding and crowns. For instance, if you are seeking to change the shape of your teeth slightly more than you would with bonding, veneers can help. You may also use veneers if you are seeking to change the shape of your teeth slightly less than you would with a dental crown.

Snap-on smile is also an alternative to dental veneers. You wear Snap-on Smile on top of your teeth to get an illusion of a straighter and brighter smile. The smile may not look as natural as veneers, but some people may still choose it.

There is a contemporary commercial brand of porcelain veneers and Lumineers. These veneers can fit perfectly on your existing teeth without prior teeth preparation. There will be no need to drill or grind down your teeth. Therefore, unlike the typical veneers, Lumineers are potentially reversible. Lumineers are an alternative to dental veneers.

In a suitable dental situation, an expert may prepare conventional porcelain veneers in the same way as Lumineers. This would make it easy to fit the porcelain veneers without any teeth preparation. However, it is always good to consult your prosthodontist to give you the best alternative. 

As with all other dental care procedures, it is important to discuss all your treatment options and your expectations with a dental professional prior to getting dental veneers. Even after fitting dental veneers, ensure that you make regular dental visits. It is common for dental veneers to get loose over time. Whenever you feel like the veneers are not intact, it is advisable to seek medical counsel. 

Hawthorne Veneers Near Me

Do you feel that you need to improve the appearance of your teeth and your smile? Do you have discolored or chipped teeth? Ganji Dental can help restore the beauty of your smile. Contact us at 310-643-8045 and speak to one of our Hawthorne dentists today!