Porcelain dental veneers, like the ones offered at our dental office in Nashua, have become a popular solution for enhancing the appearance of teeth. Whether you’re looking to fix chips, stains, or misalignments, dental veneers offer a versatile and effective way to achieve a brighter, more uniform smile. Before you decide on this dental procedure, it’s important to understand what veneers are, how they work, and what to expect.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers are bonded to the teeth using a special dental cement, creating a natural, attractive appearance. Porcelain veneers resist stains mimic the light-reflecting properties of teeth, giving htem a very natural appearance.
The Dental Veneer Procedure
Cosmetic Dental Consultation: The first step is a consultation with your dentist, where you’ll discuss the desired outcome and the dentist will evaluate your eligibility for dental veneers.
Tooth Preparation: In order to place the porcelain veneers, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface. The enamel will be removed from the front, sides, and top of the teeth so that the dental veneers can snugly surround the tooth.
Impression and Fabrication: An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your veneers are crafted. This process can take a few weeks.
Application: Once ready, the dentist will temporarily place the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color. After any necessary adjustments, the veneer is permanently bonded to the tooth.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Aesthetic Improvement: Veneers effectively cover imperfections such as stains, chips, and gaps.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Compared to crowns, veneers require less removal of the natural tooth structure.
- Customization: Veneers are custom-made to fit the shape and color of your natural teeth.
Considerations and Risks of Dental Veneers
- Irreversibility: The process involves the removal of tooth enamel, which is irreversible.
- Sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold due to enamel removal. For many this is temporary.
- Maintenance: Regular dental hygiene is essential to maintain the health of the tooth beneath the veneer.
Aftercare for Dental Veneers
Taking care of veneers involves regular brushing and flossing, avoiding excessive force (like biting hard objects), and regular dental check-ups. Despite veneers being stain-resistant, it’s still advisable to avoid stain-inducing substances like coffee and tobacco.
Cost of Dental Veneers
The cost of veneers varies depending on the type and number of veneers needed. Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dental procedures like veneers, so it’s important to consider this in your decision-making process. You can also ask your dentist if they have any payment plan options in order to break up the cost of treatment into more manageable pieces.
If you looking for a dentist near you in Nashua that places dental veneers, look no further than Nashua Dental Group. Book a consultation with our cosmetic dentists to understand if dental veneers are the right choice for your dental needs and aesthetic goals.