What to Expect With Veneers

Dental Veneers are a shell-like material that fits over an existing tooth. They are a tough, wafer-thin substance that can correct, restore, and perfect dental imperfections.

Veneers are quickly becoming the product of choice to fix cosmetic dental issues. They can elongate, shorten, fill gaps, and even change the entire look of one's smile.

A veneer is about twice as thick as an egg shell, about.5 -.7 millimeters. When considering the traditional filling, a veneer is much smaller, and certainly more convenient than replacing teeth altogether.

If you are considering veneers, here’s what to expect during the process:

Getting the Process Started

First, you should contact a cosmetic dentist in Studio City for a dental evaluation. They will examine the area and make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Several teeth can be treated at once, but it takes about two or three appointments to get everything completed. The appointments should be broken up into one or two-week spans.

Trimming the Teeth

The first thing the dentist will do is trim the teeth, meaning actual layers of tooth enamel will be sanded off. The enamel must be the same thickness as the veneer so one tooth is not thicker and sticking out over the others. The dentist must be careful not to trim too much, and not to get any decayed areas. (Veneers can go right over composite fillings, so there is no need to remove those.)

Making the Mold

After all the trimming is complete, an impression of the teeth will be taken to be sent to the lab. Impression putty is the most commonly used method to do an impression.

It takes about two weeks for a laboratory to fabricate the veneers. Some place a temporary veneer in place to camouflage the spot until the permanent solution arrives.

Installing the Veneers

Back at the dental office, the veneers can be rounded, squared off or shortened to ensure it looks right. A paste color will be selected for the cement and tooth will be acid washed with an etching gel. The gel roughs up the surface of the tooth to allow the veneer to bond to the tooth.

Anesthetic

Most people have their teeth prepared for veneers without the use of an anesthetic. However, some are more sensitive, as are their teeth, and they prefer the use of a numbing agent.

Any veneer's edge that may go below the gum line will need anesthetic. This sensitive area must be manipulated and can be a bit uncomfortable.

Multiple Problems Solved

The dentist will pick a shade that most resembles your natural tooth color. The goal is to blend in with the other teeth. (Of course, brighter shades can be utilized for aesthetic purposes, especially if all the front teeth are getting veneers.)

Dental veneers are one of the best ways to fix problem areas without pulling teeth or opting for expensive crowns. Veneers are quickly becoming the "go-to" method for those who want to improve their smile.

About The Author:

Dr. Kouyoumdjian received his Doctoral of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California where he focused on esthetic dentistry. He has received several professional awards and regularly attends training sessions to stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic dentistry. Several other services are also available, including teeth whitening and general dentistry. The whole staff at Studio City Dental Center strives to make patients comfortable and have a pleasant experience.

Dr. Kouyoumdjian received his Doctoral of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California where he focused on esthetic dentistry.