Have you ever seen those pictures of people with absolutely perfect smiles, and you wonder how they got their teeth so white? Cosmetic veneers are a very common cosmetic dental procedure that can be applied in just one appointment, depending on your needs. Having this procedure done, though, isn’t right for everyone so you probably have a few questions you’d like answered before deciding if this is something you’d like to proceed with. Before booking an appointment with your Thornhill dentist, here’s what you need to know about having cosmetic veneers.
What are cosmetic veneers made of?
When it comes to having veneers applied, you have two options. The first is known as bonded veneers and the other is porcelain veneers. Bonded veneers are used for more superficial reasons, like just to whiten or brighten a smile. Porcelain veneers are used to fix cracks or major chips in your teeth as they are much more durable and will last longer than bonded ones.
How long will cosmetic veneers last?
The answer to this question isn’t standard, and depends a lot on the person who has the veneers applied. In some cases, where the veneers are well cared for and the patient goes in for regular dental check ups, the veneers can last for up to 15 years. Bonded veneers are not as durable as porcelain veneers, so if you’re looking for really long last veneers, porcelain ones are always going to be the way to go. Bonded veneers can also stain over time, and you may notice you can see where the veneer meets your natural tooth.
Veneers are a lot like natural teeth, so caring for them is exactly as you’d take care of your other teeth. With regular brushing, twice daily, and flossing you can make sure your veneers last for years and always look their best.
How are cosmetic veneers applied?
If you have selected porcelain veneers, you will need to visit the dentist twice. The first time, your dentist will remove a small layer or enamel from your teeth in preparation for applying the veneer. Your dentist will also create a mold for the veneers to be made, and will then apply a temporary veneer made to last until your next appointment. During the delivery appointment, the dentist will have the permanent veneers that were made from the molds of your teeth. The temporary ones will be removed and the permanent ones applied. Then the dentist will have you perform a bite test to see where the pressure of a bite is being applied, and make sure the veneers aren’t at risk for breaking. Your dentist will make adjustments, as needed, before permanently applying them.
Having cosmetic veneers can brighten your smile and make you feel so much more confident, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right procedure for everyone. Your Thornhill dentist can show you exactly how veneers would be applied to your teeth, and what your new smile could look like. If you think veneers might be an option for you, book a consultation appointment today.