Are you thinking about getting dental veneers in West Hollywood and how they will work for you? One of the first things that people notice is your smile. If you had perfect teeth, what would people think about your smile? To know if you should get dental veneers, it is important to understand how they work and whether or not you are a good candidate. Before you decide to get in the dental chair, you should learn about the procedure and prepare for what it will be like to live with veneers.
What are Dental Veneers
The American Dental Association states that veneers are custom-crafted shells that are made of tooth-colored materials, like porcelain. These shells cover the front of the teeth. Veneers are created from a mold that a dental technician makes of your teeth during the initial phase of the procedure.
Dental technicians will then create a set of veneers in a lab that fit the specifications of your mold. These are different than bonding dentures because a small bit of enamel is removed from your natural teeth in the process. This is where the veneer shell will be placed.
It is important to understand that veneers are permanent and will replace your teeth for the rest of your life.
Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Resin
There are two materials that are commonly used in veneer procedures. These include porcelain and composite resin. While both can be used by a dental technician, you should understand the differences between these materials. While both can be used for the same quality bond to your teeth, porcelain is more difficult to apply as it is brittle before being bonded to the veneer and your teeth. Porcelain is also more valued because of its consistent bright white color.
Should You Get Dental Veneers?
Since dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they are not recommended for most patients and do have a higher cost than other dental procedures. The Consumer Guide for Dentistry lists a few reasons why you may be a candidate for dental veneers. These include:
- Worn enamel
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Poorly-shaped, uneven teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Wear and tear
- Genetics and gaps between teeth
Once you start thinking about veneers and the benefits, you can then decide whether dental veneers are a good option for you. The first thing to do is to meet with your dentist and talk to him or her about the procedure and why you want to get veneers. Your dentist will likely perform an exam and talk to you about your overall dental health.
As dental veneers are permanent and can never be reversed, dentists will provide an evaluation first to make sure that you understand the risks, pros, cons, and costs. If you are looking for a less costly treatment, your dentist may have an alternative to talk with you about.
If you do decide to go with West Hollywood porcelain veneers, then you also want to ask questions about treatment, costs, and final look of a porcelain veneer. Your dentist will also help you design the perfect smile, as you are able to customize your dental veneers.
Benefits and Costs of Veneers
If you want to cover up discolored or decayed teeth, veneers are a great option. There are other benefits as well. Custom-made veneers are resistant to typical tooth-staining agents like coffee, cigarettes, sodas, and tea. After getting veneers, you will not have to worry about these stains for the rest of your life.
Veneers are custom, which means that your smile can be shaped the way that you like as well. The best benefit of all is that your teeth will be a bright white, especially if you receive West Hollywood porcelain veneers.
There are some drawbacks to veneers. For one, the procedure can never be undone. While you can have new veneers made, your teeth will never be in their original condition once you put on a veneer.
Dental technician labs also take time to create the veneer shape. Porcelain veneers will take up to a week and up to 6 weeks to be added to your teeth. Once applied, veneers will be sensitive to cold and hot food for two to three days.
The Cost of Dental Veneers
Veneer cost will depend on the type that you need and the number of teeth that you are replacing with veneers. It also depends on the materials used, whether composite resin or porcelain.
Porcelain is the more costly of the two materials. Since dental insurance does not often cover veneers as it is a cosmetic procedure, the costs will likely have to be covered by the patient. Most dentists provide payment plans and options so that you can still get veneers. Veneers West Hollywood can be purchased with a payment plan, for example.
A cosmetic dentist will work with you to fit your porcelain veneers into a monthly budget plan. There are flexible and affordable options to ensure that you can pay for the procedure and have a beautiful smile.
Overall cost will also come down to how many teeth that you are getting veneers for. If you plan on replacing bottom and top sets of teeth, then you will have a higher cost. Most patients only replace teeth that are visible, like the front teeth.
What to Expect with Veneer Procedures
Now that you understand the basics of dental veneers, you should also learn about the procedure. Typically, your veneers are installed in two dental visits. These visits are likely to be spaced out over a period of six weeks but may take less time depending on the dentist and number of veneers.
Step-by-Step Dental Veneer Procedure
- The dentist will start by providing an anesthetic to make you comfortable during the procedure. Then, the dentist will start to reshape your teeth to make sure the veneers fit properly.
- Composite resign veneers are applied layer by layer and then polished to a pearly white. Porcelain veneers need an impression of your teeth, which will then allow your dental veneers to be created. Dentists will work with an outside lab to create these veneers. Most dentist now have CAD/CAM technology that allow them to make the veneers in one day at the office. This is the best option for those who want a quick procedure.
- If using off-site veneers, your dentist will order the veneers based on a mold. Once arrived, your teeth will be shaped and veneers will be fitted to your teeth.
Recovery from Post-Veneer Procedures
Once veneer implants have been placed, you will need to care for your veneers the same way that you care for your normal teeth. You should brush and floss regularly, while still visiting your dentist for normal cleanings. Veneers may crack from biting or chewing on hard objects. You should be careful the first few days as your teeth will be sensitive to hot and cold foods after the surgery. Porcelain veneers have to replaced entirely if chipped, while composite resign veneers can be replaced tooth by tooth.
Dentists may recommend a special non-abrasive toothpaste to help keep your veneers beautiful for years to come.
Call today and schedule your complimentary dental veneers consultation!
