Dental Veneers For a
Beautiful Smile
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are often called porcelain veneers they are very thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth allowing you to change the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth to your preference.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
- Teeth that are discolored — either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
- Teeth with gaps between them
What’s the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?
Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.
Diagnosis and treatment planning.
This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Preparation.
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed.
Bonding
Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer’s placement.
When To Use a Dental Crown
When teeth repair is needed due to decay, infection, accidental trauma, or wear and tear, the repair is based on multiple factors. How much of the tooth is left? Is it a front tooth or back tooth? Does it have an abscess? Does it need a root canal? Do you clench or grind your teeth? From simple fillings to computer milled crowns, Dr. Murasko will present options that are appropriate for your condition specifically. Dr. Murasko does not use mercury containing filling materials.
Dr. Micheal Murasko
Learn How Dental Veneers Can Dramatically Update Your Smile.
Many people overlook dental veneers because they are uncertain of what they can do and what they may cost. Crossings Dental solves these legitimate concerns by providing to you treatment costs up-front. After your initial exam, we can better estimate your dental options and associated costs, with or without insurance. You will not be under any pressure to take on treatment yet when you leave our office you will have in your hands a full understanding of any treatment needs and their costs.
Dr. Murasko has over 18 years experience with cosmetic dentistry and all types of dental veneer options.
Call for an appointment: 1-760-598-8881 or complete the form below to your right call you with the first available appointment time. Our North County Dental Office is easy to get to and has plenty of parking. Come by for a lunch time visit.Map & Directions to our Vista Dental Office