How do Dental Veneers Work?
Have you ever considered getting dental veneers in Mission Valley? The way dental veneers work is specifically aesthetic in nature. Rather than repairing areas of decay, they cover healthy tooth enamel to recreate the appearance of your smile.
The entire dental veneers treatment usually requires two visits after your initial consultation, each about two weeks apart.
Conditions Treated Using Dental Veneers
Since dental veneers are bonded over the front of your teeth, they can mask cosmetic concerns like:
- Crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth
- Uneven or slightly chipped enamel
- Atypical tooth shape and size
- Severe discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening
Our Mission Valley dentists usually place several veneers side-by-side across your upper front teeth. Depending on how wide your smile is, this might be anywhere between 6-10 veneers (6-8 is the average.) Normally we don’t recommend placing veneers on the lower teeth because of how they bite against the back of your upper teeth (the porcelain could chip.)
To ensure you get the best cosmetic results possible, we’ll meet with you one-on-one to discuss exactly what results you want and the “look” you’re hoping to achieve. Our dentists in Mission Valley will then precisely design the shape, size, and exact color of the veneers to reflect the best outcome for your individual facial characteristics.
In some cases, we’ll even have you do a “try-in” or “wax up” where we replicate the proposed veneer design with temporary materials. This step allows you to see what your veneers will look like before the actual treatment starts. That way, if you want to tweak or change anything, we can do so.
How are Veneers Applied?
How veneers are applied differs from traditional restorations like dental crowns. Crowns cover the entire tooth from every angle, protecting weak enamel from everyday wear and tear. Whereas cosmetic veneers only cover the fronts of the teeth, strictly for aesthetic purposes.
The process of getting dental veneers is fairly similar to crown treatment, though. We typically schedule each smile makeover patient for two treatment visits: the preparation and the placement.
During the veneer prep, we numb the teeth and gently buff away a thin layer of enamel, creating room for the veneers to rest against the teeth without looking bulky. Then we take a set of impressions and send it to our lab with instructions on how we want the veneers to look.
About two weeks later, you’ll come back to our Mission Valley dental office to have your temporary veneers removed. We’ll then permanently bond each porcelain veneer onto the corresponding tooth. As soon as you look in the mirror, you’ll have a dramatically different smile!
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Dental Veneers?
One of the most important facets of dental veneer treatment—and understanding how dental veneers work—is carefully selecting and screening each smile makeover client. Not everyone qualifies for veneers, and that’s ok. Other options like teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain crowns, or clear aligners may be a more appropriate choice for your cosmetic concerns.
The ideal veneers patient will be someone who has healthy teeth and gums. If there is any active gum disease or bone loss, those issues will need to be addressed beforehand. Additionally, if there is significant decay that is weakening the tooth, a porcelain crown will likely be a better solution.
Today’s porcelain veneers work well for most adults who want to quickly enhance the way their smile looks. And by investing in their self-confidence, they can enjoy the immediate personal and social benefits that a beautiful smile has to offer.
Dental Veneers in Mission Valley
Are you ready to discuss your smile makeover options? Understanding how veneers work to transform your teeth can give you a smile you’ve always wanted!
Contact Cassell Dentistry in Mission Valley today to reserve an exam. We’ll discuss how veneers can work in your situation or if other alternatives are available. Flexible payment options are also offered, making your cosmetic treatment as accessible as possible!
