You may be considering dental veneers if you have some cosmetic or functional defects, such as discoloration or chips, on a tooth or several teeth. Use the following information to get an accurate idea regarding the suitability of veneers for your situation.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin materials placed over the front surface of a tooth or teeth. Porcelain is the most common material used for this purpose because of its close resemblance to natural teeth. Additionally, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that porcelain is an ideal material because it doesn’t stain as easily as other materials. Stains can also be polished off the porcelain veneers.

Composite resin is also used to make dental veneers. This material stains more easily because it is slightly porous.

When Would You Need Veneers?

You can get veneers if you would like to change the shape, position, and color of your teeth. For example, a dental veneer can be placed on a chipped tooth so that it looks whole again. Your Sterling Heights dentist will help select the right color for your veneers so that your smile is enhanced without giving your teeth an artificial appearance.

The thickness of the dental veneer will vary in accordance with the defect or unique characteristics of the tooth where it is being placed. For instance, the veneer will be thicker where your tooth was chipped.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers have numerous benefits. First, they protect damaged teeth and help them to last longer. They also give you a brighter smile, especially if you have stained or discolored teeth. The veneers installed by Dr. Farhat fix defects in your teeth and leave your teeth looking as natural as possible. Someone looking at you will get a sense that you did something, but they will be unable to tell what exactly you did! Additionally, getting dental veneers is a minimally invasive procedure. The dentists at Dental One Care have frequently worked on clients who hardly require any preparation before veneers are placed.

What Issues Should One Know Before Getting Veneers?

First, dental veneers are an irreversible procedure. It is therefore advisable for you to have a detailed discussion with your Sterling Heights dentist so that you can proceed when you know that there is no turning back.

Secondly, dental veneers can be an expensive treatment. This fact is even more of concern given that many dental insurance plans exclude this procedure from what is covered. Talk to Dr. Farhat or any dentist in Sterling Heights, MI about a payment plan in case you cannot pay in upfront.

What Preparation Is Required Before Veneers Are Placed?

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will talk to you about your smile makeover goals. Dr. Farhat will ask you to decide how many teeth you would like to place veneers on. Remember, you can get just one veneer or several.

Next, Dr. Farhat will remove some of the enamel on the teeth so that your teeth will not look too large once the veneers are placed. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, equivalent to the thickness of the veneer. Think of the veneer as being less than half the thickness of your fingernail.

Thereafter, the experts at Dental One Care will take impressions of your teeth and prepare molds that will be used by a lab to fabricate your custom veneers. You can then return to have your veneers placed.

How Long Does the Dental Veneer Process Take?

You may need at least two dental visits to have your dental veneers placed. The first visit is for the initial assessment and preparation. The second visit will be for installing the veneers. A third visit may be recommended in order to assess how well you are coping with the veneers. Some adjustment can be done in case you experience pain or discomfort several days or a week after the veneer was placed. Some patients may need temporary veneers as they wait for the permanent ones while others may not need these temporary restorations. Dr. Farhat will advise you on this matter during your initial assessment.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

We asked our friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the longevity of dental veneers. Dr. Dhoon says that one of the benefits of veneers is that with proper care, they can last a long time. Dental veneers are very strong and can last anywhere from 5-20 years depending on the material used to make them and how well you take care of them. This care includes brushing and flossing daily as well as avoiding using your teeth to bite or crush hard substances, such as hard nuts. Ultimately, you should expect to replace your veneers at some point in the future, so think about this possibility before you decide to receive the first set.

Need More Advice?

Get in touch with Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. He will answer any queries that you may have about dental veneers and then advise you about any other alternatives that may be suitable for your needs.