Are you seeking a radiant transformation for your smile? Look no further than our expert-led, state-of-the-art dental veneer services in Washington. Dental veneers offer a gateway to a dazzling smile, and our esteemed team specializes in delivering nothing short of excellence. See our comprehensive guide on dental veneers to answer any questions you may have because here at “Bellevue Dentist”, your smile is our specialty.
What are Dental Veneers
Dental veneers attach to the front of a tooth to conceal cosmetic flaws like discolorations, stains, cracks, and chips. They are thin, custom-fit, and colored to the same shade as a person’s teeth for a balanced smile. This form of dental restoration is also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates.
Who Needs Veneers
People who want to improve their smile and teeth’s appearance are candidates for veneers. Veneers can cover:
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too small or misshapen
However, teeth must be healthy and free from gum disease, extensive cavities, and other serious oral health problems. Your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if it is safe for you to use veneers and explore other treatment options that are best for your teeth.
How are Veneers Different From Crowns, Implants, and Dental Bonding
While veneers only cover the front of the tooth, other treatment options are:
- Dental Crown: caps over the entire tooth structure to protect worn-down, decayed, broken teeth.
- Dental Implants: an implant surgically placed in the jawbone as the roots of artificial teeth.
- Dental Bonding: tooth-colored composite applied to the tooth to “sculpt” a tooth of its cracks, chips, and cavities.
What Happens to Teeth Under Veneers
The teeth remain intact under veneers. Natural teeth should not rot underneath as long as the veneers are correctly placed by the dentist and routinely maintained by the individual.
Risks Associated with Veneers
Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth, blending with your natural tooth color. It resists staining more than natural tooth enamel and lasts 20-25 years with great dental care. However, there are still risks associated with veneers:
- The dentist may remove a thin enamel layer from your tooth to fit the veneer seamlessly.
- Losing a thin layer of enamel can cause tooth sensitivity.
- The process cannot be undone after..
- As a cosmetic treatment, it isn’t covered by dental insurance.
Traditional Veneers
Traditional veneers are veneers where part of their procedure is roughening the tooth’s surface. Roughenting the tooth’s surface is done by removing a small enamel layer so the veneer can attach securely to the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers have more excellent stain and wear resistance than composite resin veneers. It also has a better shine. After making a mold of your teeth, the dentist will send it to a laboratory for the veneer to be made. While waiting for the veneers to be fabricated and custom-shaded in a local dental laboratory, the person can use temporary veneers.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are one of the standard options as they conceal minor dental issues such as a cracked tooth. The dentist will apply a thin layer and then cure/harden it with a special light, repeating the process until the desired results are achieved.
No-Prep Veneers/Lumineers
No-prep veneers are instant enhancements and as it is mentioned in the name, no preparation is needed on the tooth surface. Not all individuals are good candidates for no-prep veneers, therefore your dentist will carefully evaluate and study your teeth and smile to ensure your teeth are good candidates for this type of veneer.
Pop-On Veneers
A veneer made from crystallized acetylene resin that the individual can remove at any time. This is also called “snap-smile”.
What to Expect Before Veneer Placement
Because veneers are custom-fit, your dentist will do the following:
- Take impressions/digital scan of your teeth.
- Help you choose the shade of whiteness of your veneer.
- A photo of your face, smile, and teeth may also be taken for reference and for communication with the dental laboratory.
What to Expect During Veneer Placement
When your veneer is ready, you must visit the dentist for placement/bonding. For traditional veneers, the dentist will administer local anesthesia for your comfort. While the methods of placement can be different for all types of veneers, here are the general steps your dentist will do:
- Check for your bite.
- Make necessary esthetic and bite adjustments.
- Listen to your feedback and collaborate with the dental laboratory to make the changes for greater patient satisfaction.
Care and Recovery After Veneer Placement
Once the anesthesia wears off, people can generally eat, drink, and return to normal activities.
All types of veneers need maintenance in the form of good oral health. Here are some tips to make veneers last as long as possible:
- Avoid whitening toothpaste as they are abrasive and can scratch your veneer.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Maintain oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
- If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist would recommend having a night guard appliance.
- For those who play sports, use a mouthguard/sports guard to protect your veneer.
Are Dental Veneers a Good Fit for You? Find Out at Bellevue Dentist
At Bellevue Dentist, your dream smile is within reach. Our team, led by Dr. Najafi and Dr. Jayne, ensures your satisfaction and confidence in every smile. Whether you’re considering any of the abovementioned veneers, we are committed to our comfort and satisfaction. Take the first step towards a brighter smile—schedule your consultation today because at “Bellevue Dentist”, your smile is our specialty.