What to Expect When Getting Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry is gaining traction in the world of orthodontics. Nowadays, celebrities are not the only one people getting veneers and all-new smiles.

Veneers are now an options available to anyone who is looking to improve their smile and confidence. While they are mostly used for cosmetic purposes, veneers may be a part of an overall dental treatment plan.

Veneers are essentially customized shells that fit right over your natural teeth to help improve the appearance of your smile. Placement of veneers is a less invasive procedure than crown placements, and the covers are individually sculpted for your teeth, so they are virtually undetectable and look natural.

Heroes Dental in the Rio Grande Valley employs a staff of qualified orthodontists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry procedures. With our offices located in Laredo, Mission, and San Juan, you don’t have to travel far to find the best services that can meet all your dental needs. Check out our cosmetic dentistry services to see if we can help you start your journey to a better you.

Types of Veneer Materials

One of the options your orthodontist will discuss with you during your initial consultation is the type of material you would prefer for your veneers to be made of. Veneers can be porcelain or created from a resin-based composite.
Porcelain veneers are made of a durable, high-quality ceramic, and can be well-fitted to the shade of surrounding teeth. While porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant and natural-looking, they are thicker, which will require your orthodontist to remove some of your tooth’s enamel to make space.

Your orthodontist will not have to trim down as much of your tooth’s surface if you decide on using resin-based veneers. Resin-based veneers are also generally placed in one appointment.

Discuss your options and concerns thoroughly with your orthodontist to find the best match for your lifestyle. With porcelain veneers, here are the four steps you can expect in your journey to a perfect smile:

Preliminary consultation. If you’re considering veneers, your first visit to your orthodontist should be brief introduction about the procedure and conversation with the dentist. Don’t feel pressured into making a decision right now. Instead, take the time to ask your orthodontist any questions you may have pertaining to the procedure and maintenance.

Preparation. If you decide veneers are right for you, then you’ll be one step closer to getting the perfect set of teeth you’ve been dreaming of. During preparation, your orthodontist will trim roughly half a millimeter of enamel to prepare for placement of the veneers. This is a painless procedure and is done under local anesthesia. Next, your orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth for evaluation. Your veneers will be created from this mold. Because the veneers take about a week to be made, you’ll be given a temporary covering for your teeth until your next appointment.

Placement. The placement of veneers involves bonding the new pieces to your teeth. Before this, your orthodontist will want to make sure the veneers fit the shape of your teeth as well as the color. If all is well, the orthodontist will clean and roughen up the surface to help secure the bonding more effectively. An ultraviolet light is used to harden the cement quickly.

Preservation. You’ll be all set with your new pearly whites after the application, but to ensure your veneers are staying put and are performing perfectly, your orthodontist will want to schedule a follow-up within a few weeks. Continue with your regular dental hygiene routine to take care of your veneers. Remember to brush twice daily and to floss regularly. Veneers can last from five to 10 years before needing replacement.

Request an appointment today at Heroes Dental.

Now that you know a little more about veneers, and what to expect if you get them, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist near you. You can request an appointment with an orthodontist at any one of our three Rio Grande Valley locations. Click here to request an appoint and don’t forget to check out all the other dental and orthodontic services we offer at Heroes Dental and Orthodontics.