Why get dental veneers?
If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers are a simple option. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front part of your tooth that look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, included stained, chipped, crooked or damaged teeth. They can even help conceal uneven spaces between teeth.Types of veneers
Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin material. Your Aspen Dental care team will help you choose the material that is best for you. Porcelain veneers are custom made at a lab to give the most esthetic and strong result while composite veneers are sculpted directly onto the tooth by your dentist in one visit. Explore which option is best for you:
What are porcelain veneers?
A thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the tooth
Strong and long-lasting
Natural-looking surface
Requires less enamel removal than a crown or cap
Won’t stain easily
What are composite resin veneers?
Made from a tooth-colored filling material bonded to the tooth
Can be repaired easily and quickly if damaged
Fast—sometimes can be done in just one visit
Requires less enamel removal than crowns or porcelain veneers
Most affordable veneer option
Steps to place porcelain veneers
To prepare the teeth, your veneer dentist may remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. This makes room for the veneers, giving you a more natural-looking smile.
An impression or mold will be made of the prepared teeth. You and your dentist will also decide which veneer shade will be best for your smile.
The impression is sent to a dental lab that custom crafts the porcelain veneers to fit your teeth. This may take several days. You will be given temporary veneers to wear in the meantime.
At the next visit, the veneers will be placed on your teeth to check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are bonded to the tooth.
Further changes may be made at a later appointment.
Steps to place composite resin veneers
After the teeth are prepared or reshaped, your veneer dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material using a color that is best for you.
A special light is used to harden the composite and bond it to your teeth.
The veneers are smoothed and polished to look like natural teeth.
Preparing for dental veneers
Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you get veneers. Your Aspen Dental care team will treat any disease or decay before your veneers are placed.
If you clench or grind your teeth, let your dentist know beforehand. They may suggest you wear a plastic dental night guard while sleeping to protect your veneers.
Although your dentist removes as little tooth enamel as possible for veneers, the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed.
We want you to be completely satisfied with your experience. Discuss all your expectations and treatment options with your care team. Regular dental visits are a must for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Aftercare for dental veneers
Veneers can chip or break under pressure. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects, such as pencils or ice.
It may take you a few days to get used to the feel of your veneers. However, if your bite does not feel right after the veneer has been placed, let your dentist know so it can be corrected.
Keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing and flossing each day.
How long do dental veneers last?
Veneers can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. How long your veneers last will depend on the type of veneers you have and your general oral health. Brushing and flossing daily— and maintaining a health bite alignment will help extend the life of your veneers.
