Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that are cemented onto the visible side of teeth at the front of the mouth. They are one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments and are frequently used to increase the visual aesthetics of one’s smile. Their popularity stems from their versatile ability to correct multiple cosmetic concerns, as well as the fact that they are minimally-invasive. Additionally, they can be used to restore a single tooth or an entire smile, as well as everything in between.
Did You Know?
Veneers can be used to help with tooth sensitivity. Since veneers are placed on the front surface of the teeth, they can act as a barrier between the tooth and the stimuli that cause tooth sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are veneers right for me?
Veneers may be right for you if your teeth are:
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Worn
- Crooked
- Stained
- Oddly shaped
- Unevenly sized
- Improperly spaced
To determine if veneers are the right cosmetic dental treatment for your smile, schedule a consultation with your Long Beach cosmetic dentist.
What is the difference between resin and porcelain veneers?
The difference between the two is the materials that they are made of. Composite resin and porcelain and two different dental materials that have their own set of pros and cons. The best material for veneers will depend on your individual preference. At a glance, here are some of the key differences:
Composite Resin
- Requires little to no enamel removal
- Reversible
- Only lasts 5-7 years
- More prone to damage
Porcelain
- Requires a thin layer of enamel removal
- Permanent
- Lasts 10-15 years
- Highly durable and stain resistant
How are veneers placed?
Veneers are placed with a minimally-invasive procedure. To place veneers, your Long Beach dentist will first anesthetize the area so that it is numb. They may also offer you the option of using dental sedation to relax you. Once you are numb and calm, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from your teeth. This is an essential step to guarantee the proper fit of the veneers, as well as to ensure that they blend with the rest of your smile. Since porcelain veneers are thicker than composite resin veneers, they require the removal of more enamel.
After the affected teeth have been prepared for the placement of veneers, a dental impression or oral scan will be taken. This information will then be sent to a dental lab so they can fabricate veneers that are customized to you. In the meantime, temporary veneers may be placed to protect your teeth until the permanent restoration can be placed. In most cases, it takes about 1-2 weeks to receive your permanent veneers. When they arrive, you will return to your Long Beach dental office to have them cemented in place.
How do I care for veneers?
To care for your veneers, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene. Therefore, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your Long Beach dental office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning, are essential.
Additionally, to prevent damaging your veneers, you will want to avoid damaging behaviors such as chewing ice or pens, biting your nails, smoking, using your teeth to open packages, and teeth grinding or clenching. You will also need to take special care when biting into excessively hard foods and it is recommended that you cut them into smaller pieces and use your back teeth for chewing.
