Getting porcelain veneers placed on your teeth can be a great way to fix many cosmetic dental problems, including tooth discoloration, misshapen teeth, and chips or cracks in your teeth. Many patients don't know what to expect for their veneer treatment, so here are some of the steps that you can count on when getting your first veneers.
First Visit: Getting Fitted
The great part about porcelain veneers is that they are custom shaped to match the rest of your teeth. This means that your first visit for cosmetic veneers will involve getting your teeth measured. The dentist will take an impression of your mouth in order to fit your new veneers. At this time, the dentist may also check to make sure that your teeth don't need any other dental work, such as a root canal or a filling. Putting a veneer on top of a damaged tooth is not a good idea, because the veneer may get in the way of other dental work on the tooth.
Second Visit: Placing the Veneers
On your second visit, you will return after the veneers have been custom made. Likely, your veneers will be made by a third party other than your dentist. So, the dentist will need to fit the veneers and make sure they are sized properly. The dentist will compare the veneer to the size of the tooth it will be placed on, and to the other teeth around it. The dentist uses an adhesive to permanently fix the veneer to the tooth once it is ready to be placed.
Your dentist will also follow up with you on any next steps that you can take to correct your teeth. Sometimes it's a good idea to get a full set of veneers, so that your teeth are completely uniform in color and quality.
Taking Care of Porcelain Veneers
Although your veneers won't decay, there are certain things that you can do to protect your investment after getting veneers. Good brushing and flossing is important for keeping the tooth below your veneer from getting a cavity; if this happens, the veneer may need to be removed in order to treat the tooth. You can also get regular teeth cleanings to remove plaque that collects between the teeth and around the veneers. As long as you do some regular maintenance of your teeth, veneers are a long lasting cosmetic investment. To find out more, speak with someone like Pike Dentistry.
