Dental News

What to Expect When Receiving Veneers

August 13, 2014

Receiving VeneersProper preparation for dental procedures can help reduce anxiety and improve the likelihood of a good outcome. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneer placement are no exception. If you will be receiving veneers soon, you may not have given much thought to the procedure and the lifestyle changes that will be necessary afterward. You will be much better prepared, and more likely to have a positive experience, if you understand the following things first.

The Preliminary Steps

Veneer placement typically takes three appointments spread out over at least two weeks. During the initial consultation, your dentist will take x-rays and verify that veneers are a good fit for you. During your next visit, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth that will receive veneers. Then, your dentist will take molds of your teeth and give you temporary veneers to protect your teeth. You and your dentist will also work together to select the veneer color during this appointment.

The Veneer Placement Procedure

On your next visit, the veneers can be placed. The procedure is completed in the following steps:

  • Your dentist verifies that the veneers fit.
  • Your dentist thoroughly cleans each tooth.
  • Your dentist roughens the surface of the teeth and applies an adhesive.
  • Your dentist attaches the veneers with cement and uses a UV light to harden the cement.

Afterward, your dentist will go over care instructions. You don’t have to worry about exclusively eating soft foods after the procedure, once the cement hardens, the veneers are permanently secured ,  but there are other precautions that you will need to take.

General Aftercare Guidelines

You should care for your veneers by brushing and flossing twice a day and using mouthwash, though you should avoid pigmented or alcohol-based mouthwashes. You will need to return to the dentist twice a year, or as recommended, for cleanings. It is important that you always seek treatment from dentists and hygienists with experience cleaning veneers. To avoid stressing your veneers, you should not eat overly hard foods or use your teeth on anything that is not edible. Although porcelain is strong, veneers will break if you misuse them. Even nail-biting can cause cracks or fractures. It’s important to do your best to prevent such damage, since the loss of a veneer could leave the exposed tooth vulnerable to infection or decay.

Final Tips on Preparing for Veneers

Veneer placement is less invasive and less daunting than many other dental procedures, so it can be easy to write off your questions or concerns. However, a poor understanding of what to expect can lead to needless stress and poor outcomes, so you should make sure to get all of the information you need before the procedure. Current patients are encouraged to call California Dental Group with concerns about upcoming procedures. Potential patients are also welcome to contact us to learn more about getting veneers.

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