Veneers

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are stain-resistant, custom-made porcelain or composite shells that fit over your teeth to improve their appearance.

Veneers are glued to the front of your teeth and cover chips, stains, and misshapen teeth. The purpose of veneers is to create a cosmetically pleasing appearance.

There are two types of veneers:

Composite veneers

Also known as direct veneers, composite veneers are applied to your teeth in a single dental visit and last between five and seven years before needing replacement.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain or indirect veneers require two visits to Prime Smile Dental Group because they’re custom-made to fit your teeth. During the first visit, the dentist gets your teeth ready for the veneers that are installed at the second appointment. Porcelain veneers last for at least 10-15 years.

How do you get veneers?

It takes four steps over one or two visits for proper placement of your veneers.

During your first appointment, the dentist at Prime Smile Dental Group takes X-rays and prepares your teeth for veneers by removing some of your tooth enamel. If you decide on porcelain veneers, an impression of your teeth is sent to the lab and preparation takes up to two weeks. For composite veneers, your dentist places the veneers directly onto your teeth.

When your dentist gets your veneers back from the lab, he or she checks their fit and color before cleaning them thoroughly. Then, the surface of your teeth gets roughened to improve veneer adhesion. Your dentist uses a special cement to attach the veneers to your teeth, and an ultraviolet light helps it harden quickly.

Your dentist schedules a follow-up visit to check for proper placement after you wear them for a few weeks.

How do you care for veneers?

Proper oral hygiene helps you maintain your veneers for as long as possible. Therefore, it’s important to treat your new veneers the same way you do your regular teeth. Be sure to keep up with your recommended oral hygiene routine and use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

You should also consider limiting your intake of coffee and other stain-inducing substances.

If you clench or grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a night-guard to help protect your veneers and teeth from damage.

To find out if veneers are the best option for your oral health, call or make an appointment online today with one of the dentists at Prime Smile Dental Group in Marlborough, Massachusetts.