Dental Veneers - Corpus Christi Dentistry

Gonzalez Family Dentistry is a Corpus Christi Dentist office that can help you with the smile you deserve, veneers included. If you are worried about the physical appearance of your teeth, veneers may be the right path to pursue. However, if you believe you are having and gum issues or experiencing any oral pain please reach out to us and set up an appointment to get treated right away. The sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better chances you have of avoiding long term damage to your gums and teeth.

Gonzalez Family Dentistry is also a Corpus Christi Dentist who can treat dental patients for a variety of other preventative and corrective dental issues such as routine exams and cleaning, impacted teeth, braces and invisalign advice and steps to take, fillings, extractions and dentures. Please fill out our form on the bottom of the page here.

Dental Veneers

A well-known dental cosmetic procedure is the application of veneers, which consist in placing layers of composite, a special type of resin, or dental porcelain over the teeth, improving the patient´s aesthetics. These can be also used as a method of dental protection from damage.

The main benefit of veneers is the immediate psychological effect capable of increasing the patient´s self-esteem and self-confidence, providing a whiter and more classically shaped smile without the presence of awful and annoying stains or signs of dental decay.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.” They are custom made taking into consideration the shape and contour of the teeth and then bonded to the tooth´s original enamel in several in-office treatment sessions (1, 2).

What is the procedure for veneers?

Normally, the whole process takes one to two appointments, depending on if the veneer is prefabricated or if it has to be created in the laboratory.

The administration of local anesthesia is usually not necessary, but it can be used depending on the patient´s level of sensitivity. Both the tooth and the area are cleaned by the dentist and the correct shade of the veneer is determined. In order to make room for the veneer, the dentist will have to remove a small amount of the enamel.

If the veneer has to be fabricated in the lab, an impression of the tooth has to be made and a temporary veneer is placed. This step is not necessary when the veneer is prefabricated.

The temporary veneer is removed and the tooth is cleaned and prepared with pumice and water. The permanent veneer is prepared, rinsed with water, and air-dried. The veneer is then placed over the tooth by using adhesive and cement for exact fit and contour. After this, the veneer is submitted to light for 60 seconds for it to be attached to the tooth. The excess material is removed and margins are polished (1).

What are the different types of veneer materials available?

Dental veneers are made out of porcelain or a tooth-colored composite resin, with both having its advantages and its disadvantages, which include:

Composite resin veneers

· They provide great strength and long-lasting resistance.

· When placed over the tooth, they have a natural-looking surface.

· Its white color remains over time.

· More tooth enamel needs to be removed.

· These need more visits to the dentist for its application.

Composite resin veneers

· Less tooth enamel has to be removed.

· May mean fewer visits to the dentist.

· These cost less than porcelain veneers.

· Although composite veneers are generally not as strong as porcelain ones, these can be quickly and easily repaired.

What needs to be done before placing the veneers?

· The whole mouth needs to be as healthy as possible before getting veneers. The dentist will have to treat any disease or decay compromising the health status of the teeth.

· If the patient is one who clenches or grinds the teeth, veneers are not always a good choice because these can chip or break. To avoid this, the dentist will recommend the use of a plastic dental night guard while sleeping.

· The decision of using veneers needs to be taken very seriously because once the tooth enamel is removed, the process cannot be undone.

· The patient needs to know that it is possible for veneers to come loose over time and that, in these cases, new veneers might be needed.

· As with all the dental care procedures, the patient needs to discuss all the expectations and treatment options with the dentist (3).

What needs to be done after placing the veneers?

· Once the veneers are placed, the patient should avoid biting their fingernails and chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pencils, pens, etc. due to its capacity to chip or break. In addition, the patient should consider limiting coffee and other stain-inducing foods.

· For the patient to feel comfortable using dental veneers, it may take a few days. However, if the bite does not feel right after the veneer has been placed, the patient should consult it with the dentist to make it more comfortable.

· Normal dental hygiene should be performed after the placing of the veneers in order to avoid infections or major dental decay. The patient needs to understand that cavities can still appear under or around veneers. Is important to search for dental care products that met the American Dental Association´s standards for safety and effectiveness (1, 3).

You can set up an initial appointment or find out more information if you are having issues or if you and your family would like to have a new family dentist. Our contact information can be found here. We cannot wait to hear from you. Have a great day.

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