A Beginner's Guide to Veneers

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When you meet someone, your smile is often one of the first things they notice. But if your smile isn’t all that you would like it to be, it can leave you feeling self-conscious and affect how you interact with people.

At Cusp Dental Boutique, we understand the power of a healthy confident smile and how tooth problems can affect your self-esteem. We have solutions that can help. One of our most popular options is dental veneers.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are small shells that fit over the front surface of the teeth. They are custom-made to perfectly fit your teeth, so they look like your natural teeth – only better. Once you are fitted with your veneers, they are bonded to your teeth so that you can talk, drink, laugh, and eat with confidence.

What do veneers cover?

Your veneers cover the front part of your teeth and sometimes the sides if we have to close spaces. When you get them, your dentist will ensure that they fit perfectly by removing the outer layer of the enamel of your teeth. This creates the space where your veneers will fit so they look natural and line up with your teeth. 

Typically, the veneers are fit to each tooth individually and bonded separately. This ensures a perfect fit that looks and feels natural.

What problems do veneers fix?

Veneers work very well to address a number of cosmetic dental problems, which include:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Teeth that are irregularly shaped
• Dark fillings
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Worn down teeth

Veneers can help correct these issues and sometimes save you some time by not needing braces or orthodontics.

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

If you are considering going through the veneer process, there are several benefits. You don’t have to overly reshape your teeth like you do for bridges or crowns. This makes them a much more conservative approach which is appealing to many people. They are also easier to care for than other options. Brushing and flossing just as you would your natural teeth is all you need to do and they can last for as many as fifteen years.

What are the disadvantages of veneers?

Veneers aren’t perfect. It is impossible to reverse the process like composite bonding. The color of the veneer cannot be changed either so if you want a whiter smile, talk to your dentist about teeth whitening before you get your veneers so that your natural teeth will also match the veneers being installed. If one of your veneers gets a crack or chip, it can’t be repaired. It must be replaced. Clenching or grinding your teeth can cause cracks and chips. 

Also, since your dentist must file off a conservative portion of your tooth, it can leave you with some sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and food. 

What are the types of veneers?

There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. There are different benefits to each.

• Porcelain – These look a lot like your natural teeth and are resistant to staining. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin veneers. They can be pricey.
• Composite resin – This is the more cost-effective option. The dentist does not have to remove as much of your tooth’s enamel as is required of porcelain veneers. They can be repaired and it isn't required to be fabricated in a lab

What is the process to get veneers?

The process for getting veneers is fairly straightforward and can be completed in just a couple of appointments.

1. The consultation – At this first visit you and your dentist will make a plan for your treatment. You will get scans of your teeth for a smile design and x-rays.

2. Preparation – At this second appointment your dentist will prepare your teeth for your veneers by filing off a small layer of the outermost enamel. This will reshape your teeth so the veneers fit as they should. Your dentist will use a temporary adhesive to attach your veneers. This gives you the opportunity to ensure fit and adjust the shape and color if necessary while the lab makes the porcelain replicas.

3. Final fitting – This is typically done at the second appointment as well. Once you ensure a good fit and your veneers are the way you want them, your dentist will clean, polish, and etch your natural tooth to prepare them for the cement. Etching makes the cement adhere better. Your dentist will then place the veneer on your tooth and cure the cement using a special light. After a final bite check, making final adjustments, and removing excess cement, you can go on your way.

While your teeth are being filed and etched, your dentist may use a local anesthetic so you won’t be in any pain or discomfort. 

Beautiful Smiles Start at Cusp Dental Boutique Your Virginia Beach Dentist for Veneers

If you’re looking for veneers in Virginia Beach and are searching for a “dentist near me,” call Cusp Dental Boutique. We offer full dental services in a spa-like setting. Get that beautiful smile that will turn heads. Call us today.

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