Answering Your Questions About Dental Veneers
If you want whiter teeth, you probably have some questions about dental veneers. Patients often ask us: “are veneers permanent?” and “how long do they last?” Although they are not completely permanent, dental veneers are an excellent long-term option and can last for ten years or longer. The experts at Sunrise Dental can help you decide whether dental veneers are right for you.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin panels that cover stained or damaged teeth, making them smooth and white again. Veneers address all types of cosmetic dental concerns such as chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth. They can also improve the appearance of teeth that are too large, too small, or unevenly spaced.
How do veneers work?
Veneers are custom-made out of porcelain or very strong acrylic and shaped to fit your teeth precisely. They are bonded to the front of your teeth with resin, resulting in a beautiful and attractive smile. The process of creating and bonding custom veneers usually requires two or three dentist visits to complete.
Are veneers permanent?
Although dental veneers are only semi-permanent, they do last a long time. We like to use porcelain when creating veneers, because of its durability. Porcelain veneers can last ten years or more when cared for properly. Like most dental restorations, they may eventually need repair or replacement. However, veneers are an excellent, long-term option for achieving a beautiful smile.
What can I expect when I get dental veneers?
First Visit
During the first visit, we will take impressions to create study models of your teeth. Then we send the study models to a lab for an esthetic wax-up. The wax-up will allow you to see a preview of how your veneers could look. We can make any changes you request at this stage, to ensure you get the smile you desire. We won’t schedule your second appointment until after you have approved your wax-up.
Second Visit
At your second visit, we prepare your teeth by lightly buffing and shaping the surfaces that the veneers will cover. The shaping allows room for the veneers to fit seamlessly onto your teeth—this includes the front, sides, and biting edges. Next, you will choose your desired shade and your doctor will take an impression of the re-shaped teeth to send to our dental lab. We will place a set of temporary veneers for you to wear while you wait for your final set.
Third Visit
About two weeks later, when your veneers are ready, you’ll come in for a third appointment. Your teeth will be cleaned and conditioned to achieve a durable bond. We will place bonding resin between each tooth and its veneer, then use a curing light to harden and set the bond. We’ll instruct you on how to properly care for your veneers and extend the lifespan of your beautiful new smile. We might also recommend wearing a night guard to protect your veneers from damage due to nighttime grinding or clenching.
Contact Us
If you’ve been considering dental veneers, you should schedule a consultation with Sunrise Dental in Glendale. We will answer all of your questions and help you decide whether veneers are the right choice for you. Call 623-487-4870 or contact us via our website to request an appointment today.
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