Facts About Dental Veneers
From subtle changes to major repairs, there are a vast array of procedures Dr. Hervas and his team can use to enhance your smile. For instance, dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are placed over your teeth to reshape them, as well as brighten their natural color. They are also placed on teeth that have shifted, are crooked, discolored or oddly spaced.
Veneer FAQ
Composite Versus Porcelain
A veneer can be made from porcelain or composite. Porcelain and composite resin differ from one another in various ways, and each material is associated with its own pros and cons. Porcelain is very durable, resists staining, and lasts approximately 10 to 15 years. Composite resin is not as costly as porcelain, and lasts approximately 7-10 years. However, it is not as stain-resistant as porcelain. A porcelain veneer must be replaced if it breaks, but a composite veneer can usually be repaired using composite and bonding material.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The procedure begins by taking an impression of your teeth or scanning with our intraoral Trios® scanner. After this is accomplished, approximately half a millimeter of enamel from your teeth is prepared to ensure that the surface does not become unnaturally thick after the veneer is installed. The veneer is then permanently attached to your teeth with dental cement on a process called bonding.
The restoration must be evaluated for its color and fit and ensure that it is the proper size before its permanent bonded.
Is an Anesthetic Given?
In numerous instances, especially if you have sensitive teeth, you can expect to be given a local anesthetic. This ensures you do not feel any unnecessary discomfort during the procedure.
How Long Does it Take?
Composite veneers can be applied in a single visit, which takes approximately an hour. Creating the temporary mold and perfecting its appearance takes approximately 45 minutes, and then applying the veneer is usually completed in five to 15 minutes. A porcelain veneer, on the other hand, must be sent away to another facility where it is created, and therefore two visits are required: one for the “fitting,” and one for the application of the veneer.
How Long is the Recovery Time?
You can expect little or no recovery time after the veneer is applied. Additionally, with the exception of slight gum swelling, there are virtually no side effects of the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate?
It is wise to make an appointment with Dr. Hervas, a board certified prosthodontist at Implantation Dental Center to determine whether or not you are good candidate for this procedure. A detailed information concerning the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers will be discussed.
A consultation of this type simplifies the decision-making process, as it offers the opportunity for you to ask questions and have your concerns addressed. The biggest benefit associated with cosmetic dentistry of this type is a beautiful, attractive and confident smile. In fact, this real patient testimonial tells the story of an Implantation Dental Center patient who’s smile was recently transformed!
Veneer Replacement FAQ
The purpose of this section is to answer your questions about replacing your veneers. If you have any additional questions, please call our office. We can schedule an appointment or consultation to answer your questions and discuss your options.
How often should I replace my veneers?
The frequency that you should have your veneers replaced depends on how well you take care of them. Certain foods can stain them, trauma can damage them, and grinding your teeth can all have an impact on the lifespan of your veneers.
If you damage your veneers, you should replace them sooner than you probably expected to. The average lifespan of veneers is 10-15 years. There are a lot of variables that go into the well-being and maintenance of your veneers so it’s important that you discuss your options with your dental professional.
If you have not damaged your veneers, you should replace them as often as your dentist suggests. They will have the best recommendations based on your individual situation.
Should I replace my veneers with Lumineers?
Lumineers are veneers made with porcelain. Unlike veneers, these are lighter, ultra-thin alternatives that can be applied to your teeth without shaping or grinding them first.
Lumineers like veneers permanently whiten your teeth. They serve as a permanent and painless solution to your cosmetic problems.
If you’re interested in whitening your smile or align your crooked smile, you should consider replacing your veneers with Lumineers.
What are the signs that my veneers need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that indicate that it’s time to replace your veneers.
- Worn down: Your veneers will naturally wear down over time. Chewing and eating cause your veneers to wear down and even chip or crack. You’ll know it’s time to replace them when the edges start to become rough.
- Discoloration: The cement that bonds your veneers to your teeth can darken over time. When this happens, you will begin to see the discoloration through the veneer which is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to have them replaced. After all, you don’t want veneers to darken your teeth.
- Difficulty cleaning and removing stains: As with your natural teeth, you should be regularly brushing and caring for your teeth. Unlike your natural teeth, you cannot bleach or whiten your veneers. This means that when foods such as coffee, soda, or red wine darken your veneers, you will have a hard time lightening them again. When you’ve reached the point that brushing alone cannot remove the stains, it’s time to visit your dentist for a replacement.
If you have questions about your veneers, feel that they need to be replaced, or any other concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office. We can provide you with individualized advice that will help you determine whether it’s time to replace your veneers.
If you are unhappy with your teeth or your smile, schedule an appointment with Fort Lauderdale’s finest dental team – the team at Implantation Dental Center – to learn how you can change your appearance and boost your self confidence with a dental veneer.
