What You Need to Know Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for various dental conditions. Much like braces or dentures, porcelain veneers can improve more than your smile. It can also improve your bite and protect you from complications that result from damaged teeth.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are customized shells that dentists use to cover the front side of your tooth. Once bonded, veneers can alter the colour, length, shape, and size of your teeth. Dentists permanently bond these veneers to your teeth to help improve your appearance and your bite.

These are traditionally made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Unlike dental braces, you have the option to get only one veneer or as many as you need. If your goal is a more even smile, you may need as many as 6 to 8 veneers.

Why Get Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers can remedy a wide range of dental problems including:

  • Broken or chipped teeth – Causes of chipped teeth include teeth grinding, biting or chewing hard foods, injuries and accidents, and abrupt changes in temperature in your mouth.
  • Discoloured teeth – This could be due to excessive fluoride, large resin fillings, root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other drugs, or other causes.
  • Teeth gaps – Missing or undersized teeth can cause excess space to grow between teeth.
    Unusually shaped teeth – For various reasons, like genetics or injury, teeth can have an irregular shape, with bulges or craters.
  • Worn down teeth – Your teeth enamel could wear down because of bruxism, excess consumption of acidic foods and drinks, medications such as antihistamines and aspirin, and dry mouth.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

If you want to get porcelain veneers for your teeth, don’t expect to get them in one day. The procedure involves a few steps to ensure you get the right fit. Getting veneers typically takes 3 visits to your dentist over a few weeks. Here’s what you can expect before and after you get porcelain veneers:

1. Teeth Examination and Treatment Planning

On your first visit, you need to communicate with your dentist about what you want for your teeth. Discuss with them how many veneers you want and why you’re getting them. During this time, they will explain the procedure to you, as well as discuss some of its limits.

Your dentist will then examine your teeth using X-rays. They will check for any signs of gum disease or tooth decay. If they can’t find these signs, then you can be a candidate for getting veneers.

2. Teeth Preparation

Your dentist will prepare your teeth by reshaping the surface of your tooth. Before doing so, you and your dentist will decide if they should numb the area before trimming the enamel off to ensure that the process is painless.

They will trim your teeth down to about half a millimeter with a grinding tool to remove the enamel. They will then take an impression of your teeth. This mould is sent to a dental laboratory where they will customize veneers according to the impression.

You will have to wait for 2 to 4 weeks for the veneers to come back from the dental laboratory. In the meantime, they can give you temporary veneers.

3. Bonding of Veneers

When your veneers are ready, your dentist needs to prepare them for bonding. They will first evaluate the shape, fit, and colour by placing them on your teeth. For the veneers to fit perfectly, your dentist takes time to remove parts and trim edges off the veneers.

After finalizing its shape and fit, they will thoroughly clean your teeth to prevent trapping bacteria. A grinding tool is then used to etch your teeth to create a rough texture that makes it easier for the bonding process. Dental cement is applied to the veneers before they are positioned on your teeth. To secure the veneers, a UV light is used to harden the cement.

Your dentist will also perform any necessary adjustments, like removing excess cement and checking your bite. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit a couple of weeks after the procedure. They will check on your gums and the placement of the veneers.

Porcelain Veneers Aftercare

Veneers don’t require any special care. Continue practicing good dental hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

However, while they are stain-resistant, your dentist might recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that can discolour your teeth.

Benefits and Risks

There are multiple things to consider if you are planning to have this procedure done. While they offer several benefits, there are also some disadvantages. Here are a few pros and cons of veneers for your teeth:

PROS

  • Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and keep your teeth white.
  • They mimic the natural appearance of teeth.
    You can choose to make your teeth look whiter.
  • Compared to dental crowns, they don’t need as much shaping, but they are stronger and look better.
  • Your gums can tolerate porcelain well.

CONS

  • You can’t undo the procedure.
  • They usually can’t be fixed if they crack.
  • Your teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks without the enamel. I would not say this
  • Once they are in place, you can no longer alter their shade.
  • Although unlikely, they can dislodge and fall off. I also would not say this – I have never seen this happen.

Porcelain Veneers in Toronto

Getting porcelain veneers can help change the appearance and overall look of your teeth. Porcelain veneers costs vary, depending on your geo-location, your goals, the number of veneers, the material used, and the affiliated dental laboratory. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their smile.

However, before deciding to get them, make sure that this procedure is the right one for you.

If you’re looking for dental services, turn to Galloro Dental Group. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions for your dental needs. Whether you are looking to improve your smile with porcelain veneers or simply have your regular teeth cleaning, give us a call. Dial SummerHill (416) 483-9600 or DonMills (416) 907-5888 or email us at SummerHill: hellosummerhill@gallorodentalgroup.com or DonMills: hellodonmills@gallorodentalgroup.com for inquiries or to book an appointment.

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