What’s the most useful tool in your toolbox? We’ve got a hunch that the most often used tool you have is the one that can accomplish the most things at the same time or in a single step. In the world of cosmetic dentistry, veneers are one of those kinds of tools. Veneers can correct the colour, size, shape, spacing and texture of flawed teeth in just a few simple steps. Here’s how it happens.
At a preliminary appointment, your dentist in Okotoks will carefully inspect your teeth and gums, and may take x-rays to get a comprehensive understanding of the state of your teeth, gums and jaw. In some cases, a dentist near you may recommend alternatives to porcelain veneers in Okotoks, or recommend that you undergo procedures to address issues revealed in this assessment. For example, if the tooth you’re interested in covering with a veneer is affected by tooth decay or nearby gum disease, your dentist will recommend that those conditions be addressed before a veneer is placed. Because the integrity of your veneers depends on the health of the underlying tooth, dealing with those types of issues before the veneer is placed is essential to your long-term satisfaction.
Assuming that your dentist confirms veneers near you are appropriate to accomplish your goals, your dentist will schedule a second appointment (or proceed to these next steps at the same appointment). A thin layer of enamel — approximately half of a millimetre thick — will be removed from the tooth you want to cover with a veneer. Removing that enamel will permit the dentist to bond the veneer to your tooth without adding noticeable bulk to your tooth.
Once any enamel that needs to be removed from your tooth or teeth has been removed, your dentist in Okotoks will take impressions of your teeth. The mold bearing those impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where technicians will prepare veneers specifically for your teeth.
Once your dentist receives your veneers from the dental laboratory, a final appointment will be scheduled to place those veneers. Your dentist will confirm that the veneers fit properly and achieve the goals identified at your initial assessment. Once the fit is confirmed, your dentist will take an additional essential step before placing your veneers — cleaning your teeth to ensure that no bacteria or food particles are caught between the veneer and your prepared tooth when the veneer is put in place.
Your dentist will then roughen the surface of the tooth that will receive the veneer before attaching the veneer to the tooth with special dental adhesives. That dental cement will be hardened by exposing it to ultraviolet light. Once the veneer has been bonded in place, your dentist will trim and polish the veneer as required to make sure it blends completely naturally with your own natural teeth.
In some situations, you may notice some rough texture on or around your veneers. That is probably excess cement. That cement will be worn away while you eat and brush your teeth over the following days. If you notice that roughness persists beyond several days, get in touch with your dentist and ask them to smoothen away any lingering roughness.
Do your teeth have flaws that you’d like to correct? Porcelain veneers — one of the most versatile multi-tools available to cosmetic dentists — getting fit with veneers is a minimally invasive and relatively quick process, once you take into account the time the technicians will need to prepare veneers just for you. To start the process of perfecting your own teeth and smile no matter what type of flaw is bothering you, call a dental clinic near you to arrange an initial appointment.
