How Do You Know If Veneers Are Right For You?

Are you thinking about getting veneers? This is a possible option for anyone who wants to ensure they have a great looking smile, but are especially attractive for those who have suffered a chipped tooth, a gap between teeth, or some other visual defect they want to get rid of. While veneers aren’t right for everyone, they do offer many patients an easy, effective way to have the smile of their dreams.

Before you decide to get veneers, you’ll want to investigate all of your options and learn about which solution is best for you. Today we’ll be discussing who makes a good candidate for veneers, take a look at the process, and point out what you should know before hand. Remember, the experienced and friendly staff at Jody Jones, DDS, in Midtown Nashville, makes the health and well being of our patients our top priority and that includes the decision about when and whether to get veneers.

What are veneers?

In dental terms, a veneer is any layer of material that is placed over a tooth as a form of protection or for cosmetic purposes. Veneers are a method for creating a more aesthetic smile while also preventing surface damage to the tooth.

Did you know the use of veneers in one form or another goes back nearly one hundred years? However, in modern dentistry there are two main kinds of material used when creating a veneer. A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored material that can be directly applied to the tooth with a resin cement. This is a cheaper and less permanent solution, and normally used for younger patients who are not yet fully grown. It has an estimated lifespan of four years.

The other option is a porcelain veneer. This is a protective covering that is built by the dentist (or a dental specialist) and then placed over the teeth. It is a permanent installation that is made to last. In fact, it will be applied by removing part of the tooth’s enamel and anchoring it in place. A full veneer crown will cover the entire coronal surface of the tooth. A laminate veneer is a thin, discreet layer that only covers the surface of the tooth.

Veneers can serve a number of purposes. They are able to conceal dental imperfections, chips, gaps, overlaps, and stains. Compared with dental crowns, they are less invasive and retain more of the original tooth. They are also simple to install and, when properly done and cared for, will last a person’s lifetime.

What is the procedure for implanting veneers?

Before even starting the process of installing a veneer, you’ll first need to meet with your dentist who’ll make a thorough examination of your teeth. A determination will be made how many veneers are needed and which type is most suitable.

Directly prior to the procedure, the dentist will clean your teeth and insure there are no obstructions. Then the dentist will remove some enamel and reshape the tooth to make it easier to apply the veneer. It’s also necessary to pick a veneer shade to perfectly match your surrounding teeth. Next, an impression will be taken and sent to a lab where your veneers will be custom fabricated for your mouth.

You’ll then return for the final placement. The dentist checks to ensure the veneer is correctly shaped and makes any final adjustments. The veneer is then bonded to your teeth. A follow up appointment will be made to check on the bonding and to fine tune the veneers. The whole procedure is pain free and should not create any discomfort for the patient.

Who is eligible to receive veneers?

The primary consideration before receiving veneers is a patient’s age. Younger patients who are continuing to grow and mature will not want to get ceramic veneers as these are permanent. In these cases, it will be better to employ a temporary solution, such as composite veneers or another option.

The other important concern is the health of a person’s teeth. If a patient is suffering from severe gum disease or other oral conditions that cause instability of the teeth, veneers are not advisable. Your teeth must be in a strong enough state to hold the veneer or it will cause the fabrication to become displaced, cracked, or warped.

How do you care for veneers once they are in place?

Once the veneers have been installed, it’s important to care for them properly, so that they will last a lifetime. In general, the best advice is no different than the everyday habits that are recommended for optimal oral health. However there are a few specific things you need to watch out for when it comes to your veneers.

In general, it will take a person some time to get used to their new veneers. They may feel weird in your mouth and your tongue will be prone to play with them. However, if you feel like they are impairing your bite or causing some discomfort, be sure to discuss it with your dentist, who can check that they are properly placed and make minor adjustments as necessary.

Ceramic veneers will chip or break when too much pressure is applied. General habits that should be avoided include biting your fingernails or chewing on ice, pens, or other hard substances.

It may be tempting to think that your teeth are protected now that you have your new veneers, but it’s still possible to get cavities and plaque build up. Remember, your veneers are only covering some of your teeth, not all. Moreover, it’s important to floss and brush your teeth regularly, paying special attention to the area where your veneers are located. These are the places that will be particularly vulnerable to plaque build up if you aren’t careful.

Your Nashville, Tennessee Cosmetic Dentistry Specialists

Having a great smile is proven to boost self-esteem, improve overall mental health, and even increase a person’s employment potential. That’s why the entire team at Jody Jones, DDS, is dedicated to making sure all of our patients leave our offices smiling. If you’re thinking about veneers or are just curious about what options are available to you, contact us today to schedule an appointment.