General Questions
1. What exactly are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a great way to give your smile an instant makeover! These tooth-colored shells of porcelain, which can be custom-made for each individual patient’s needs, fit over the surface of existing teeth and provide long-lasting results.
2. What are the advantages of getting porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers can make your smile brighter and better. They are designed to preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible, so less material is removed during preparation than with other treatments. Plus, these versatile restorations come in a variety of colors for you to choose from.
3. What’s the difference between veneers and crowns?
Crowns cover your teeth like a cap. A veneer is a thin shell that is applied to the front of your tooth with less damage to the tooth tissues.
4. Will my teeth be sensitive after veneers?
When you decide to get porcelain veneers, we will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. This process can cause some sensitivity afterward – but no worries! A temporary set of veneers should reduce the discomfort until we fit you with permanent ones. In any case, if tooth sensitivity still lingers after that point, just use desensitizing toothpaste and it’ll be good as new in no time.
5. How long do veneers last?
Although it depends on your habits and hygiene routine, dental veneers can last anywhere between 15 to 25 years before they need to be replaced.
6. How do I know if I am a good candidate for veneers?
If you’re free of gum disease and cavities and have overall good oral health, you’re likely a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If you grind or clench your teeth, you will need to be strict about wearing a nightguard to protect your veneers from damage though. We suggest scheduling a consultation and we’ll be able to give you a more thorough recommendation.
7. Can veneers help make my teeth straighter?
Yes! If your teeth are minorly crooked, veneers can help their shape look much straighter and save you from going through a lengthy orthodontic treatment. Not all patients are a good candidate for this solution though. Please ask Dr. Vera if porcelain veneers are ideal for making your teeth look straight or if you should explore other orthodontic options like Invisalign or braces instead.
8. What are my payment options? Do you offer financing?
We offer….
The Process
1. Does the procedure hurt?
No! We apply a local anesthetic to prevent any type of pain from occurring during the preparation portion of the procedure. Bonding the actual veneers to your teeth is completely painless. Improving your smile with veneers is pain-free!
2. How long does the procedure take?
It depends on how many veneers you get. The first appointment consists of preparing your teeth and taking impressions while the second appointment focuses on bonding the veneers to your teeth. Most patients don’t spend more than a few hours with us.
3. Can I see what I will look like before the veneers go in?
We will create a digital smile design prior to the procedure, this will help both you and us to make sure you are getting the smile you are looking for. You should have a very good idea of the aesthetic outcome and help you determine if veneers are right for you.
4. Can I decide the color of the veneers?
Yes. During your initial dental consult for your veneer treatment, we will discuss tooth shade options and recommend a shade that best fits your smile. We will work to match the shade of your veneer or veneers to your natural teeth. Or there’s another option: many people decide to have a whitening treatment and whiter veneers to brighten the appearance of their entire smile.
After Care
1. Are there any foods I should avoid after getting veneers?
You can eat most foods but everyone has a different bite. Therefore, we recommend eating softer foods for the first few days until you get used to the new bite position. After several weeks there is no limitation unless your case has specific needs. The most common foods to avoid are ice, hard biscuits, hard candy, caramel apples, hard nuts, pumpkin seeds, and popcorn.
2. Are there any habits I should avoid or stop altogether?
You should stop all bad teeth habits immediately, such as nail biting, straw chewing, fork nibbling, opening bags with teeth, pulling on clothing or gloves with teeth, and anything that will put stress on your teeth and veneers.
3. Do I need to change my oral care routine?
Nope! You can continue to brush the same way you’ve always done. You can floss all the veneered teeth and you should continue your regular hygiene appointments as you have in the past.
4. What happens if a veneer falls off?
First, don’t panic! This is highly unlikely to happen but if it does, the first thing you should do is find the veneer and put it in a safe spot. Please DO NOT try to super glue it back onto your tooth. Simply, contact us at your earliest convenience so we can get your veneer reattached as soon as possible.
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