HOW DOES THE VENEERS PROCESS WORK?

Consultation And Goal-Setting

In our patient-centered clinic, the first step is always talking with you, understanding your goals (and dreams!), and answering your questions. You deserve to completely understand your options.

Next, we’ll get ready for a successful treatment, using a professional examination of your teeth and dental health. This could include dental x-rays when needed. We could also review any dental and medical records you have.

By fully understanding your unique oral and dental health, we give you the greatest chance of having a successful veneer placement and avoiding any underlying issues, such as cavities.

Your dentist will also make sure you know what to expect and anything you need to do to enjoy your veneers for many years.

Minimal Preparation

Composite veneers only need a minimum of preparation before bonding. Of course, we want your teeth and gums to be healthy to avoid later complications, so we will recommend professional cleaning as needed.

Then, we get your teeth ready to bond with the dental resin. There is a major difference between porcelain and composite veneers here:

• Porcelain: Require a layer of your enamel removed first.
• Composite (the type we offer): Only a roughening of the tooth to make a better bond.

When we are going for a minor change in shape or color, we don’t change the shape of your tooth itself. We bond the resin to it after slightly roughening it with a liquid. This is reversible.

If we would need to alter your tooth more, we’ll discuss it first.

Building The Veneer

The actual veneer placement is as much art as science. During a single appointment, your dentist will lay down layer after layer of resin in a specific pattern.

We select resin materials that mimic the shades of your other teeth. Your treated teeth will fit right in—looking great without standing out.

During the layering process, your veneers will be firmly bonded in place, making them as secure as possible for everyday life. We also use a curing light to harden the resin.

In the later stages of the process, your dentist will trim each veneer—possibly several times. This is crucial for finalizing the shape of each veneer.

Lastly, the doctor will polish the veneer, getting it as close as possible to the reflective qualities of a natural tooth.

Finishing The Appointment—And Beyond

Once your veneers are bonded in place, your dentist will stand back and make any adjustments needed for the best smile possible. We want to give you a smile we’re both proud of.

We often schedule another appointment within the next several weeks. We want to do whatever you need to make you happy with your smile, along with making sure your body is reacting well to the veneers.

Of course, scheduling regular exams and cleanings is crucial for anyone, especially when you have veneers. Cleanings will help your whole smile continue to look great, keeping your confidence high.

Your dentist will also give you helpful tips for maintaining the color of your veneers at home, such as avoiding drinks that would stain them.

FREQUENTLY ASKED COMPOSITE VENEERS QUESTIONS

Who Can Get Dental Veneers?

One of our top priorities is your success. We will recommend treatment options for you when they have a very high chance of meeting your goals for both the short- and long-term.

So, we will advise you about veneers when they are most likely to solve your dental issues, meet your goals, and work well with your unique oral and dental environment.

More specifically, a good candidate will:

• Have minor cosmetic issues: Such as discoloration, slightly misshapen teeth, and the like.
• Maintain good oral health: You’ll need good habits of teeth brushing and flossing, along with no history of clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Not require restorative work: If your teeth need crucial repairs, we’ll focus on those first.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Composite Veneers?

Some patients prefer porcelain veneers—or other options—over composite veneers. However, composite veneers are perfect for other patients. It depends on the situation.

Porcelain veneers are a little more durable than composite veneers, meaning they last longer. Composite veneers can sometimes be damaged. That’s why it’s best if you have no history of tooth grinding.

However, if a porcelain veneer does get damaged, a dentist often has to completely replace it, whereas we can repair a composite veneer since it is our creation from layers of resin.

Porcelain veneers are also a little more resistant to stains from pigmented drinks and other sources. However, it’s possible to reduce your intake of certain drinks and keep your composite veneers clean.

What’s The Lifespan Of Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are made of layers of flexible material, which we harden at the office. That means they don’t last forever.

But you can keep them in good repair for between 4–8 years. Schedule regular appointments here at Valley Dental Solutions, and we’ll do all we can to keep them clean and durable.

Of course, people sometimes chip their veneers during an accident or mishap. In those cases, we can repair a veneer using new resin during a short treatment.

Teeth grinding and clenching shorten your veneers’ lifespan. We can discuss solutions to reduce these issues. There are steps you can take—which will also improve the health of your other teeth.