What is a Dental Veneer?
A dental veneer is sometimes called a porcelain laminate or porcelain veneer, and they can fix a wide variety of dental issues. In some cases, patients may elect to have a dental veneer procedure to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smiles. Dr. Ha at Newport Beach Dental Studio, specializes in dental veneers that look beautiful and natural. You can think of a dental veneer as a thin shell that is designed to fit over the patient’s existing tooth with a unique bonding material to change the color, shape, or size of the tooth. They are extremely thin and are fabricated from porcelain or resin composite. Porcelain tends to look more realistic than resin, and it is better at resisting stains, but it can be more expensive and chip. Resin veneers are thinner and require the dentist to remove less of the original tooth’s surface before application. Dr. Ha provides feldspathic, porcelain lithium disilicate (e.max), injectable, and 3D printed veneers.
When are Veneers Necessary?
A dental veneer may be necessary for patients who have substantially worn, broken, or chipped teeth that may become painful, inflamed and infected later down the line. Dentists may also recommend a dental veneer to a patient who has misaligned teeth or sharp tooth edges that cause pain. In some cases, a dentist may recommend veneers to patients who have gaps (also known as diastemas) between their teeth to aesthetically close the gaps by filling in the spaces between the teeth. Some patients opt for this procedure when their teeth have become discolored due to previous root canals, excessive fluoride, or the presence of resin fillings that have discolored the tooth.
What You Should Expect
Once the decision has been made to apply a dental veneer, Dr. Ha will take dental impressions of the patient’s teeth and mouth. Then, he will provide a local anesthetic and remove about ½ of a millimeter of enamel from the tooth upon which the veneer will be applied. At this point, an impression will be taken and sent to a dental lab where it is fabricated. During the following appointment, Dr. Ha will test fit the veneers and make any adjustments needed before bonding it.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Veneer?
There are many advantages associated with the dental veneer. For those who are self-conscious of their smiles due to gaps, broken teeth, or discoloration, these veneers can provide a natural appearance once again. The veneers themselves are resistant to stains, and it is possible for patients to choose the shade of the veneers they want in order to avoid whitening procedures in the future. They are also a fantastic alternative to crowns whenever they are used solely for aesthetic purposes.
A dental veneer can not only help keep teeth healthy and provide a more natural-looking smile, but it can also change the life of a patient forever by allowing them to feel better about themselves and their teeth.