Getting dental veneers can provide you with that beautiful smile you've been dreaming of. Here are a few important things that you should know about the process.
Preparing for Veneers
There are several things that will happen before your veneers can be placed in your mouth, starting with an initial consultation appointment with your service provider. At the consultation, your dentist will help you determine how many veneers you'd like to have put in and outline all of the veneer options that are available to you.
Once you have created a plan, your dentist will likely take x-rays and determine whether any of your teeth need to be prepped before the veneers can be placed. For instance, you may have to wear braces for a period of time or treat tooth decay beforehand.
You will probably also have to schedule a second appointment to have imprints of your teeth made so custom veneers can be created for you. After the molds have been made, your dentist will send them off to the lab to have the veneers made.
Having the Veneers Placed
After the lab creates your veneers, which can take a week or two, they'll send them to your dentist who will notify you that they are ready. At this point, you should be able to schedule an appointment to have the veneers placed. At your placement appointment your dentist will start with a thorough cleaning and then prepare your teeth with a grinding tool so the veneers will effectively stick to your natural teeth.
A special cement will be used to adhere the veneers to your teeth so they stay in place for many years to come. After your service provider ensures that your veneers are secure, you'll be ready to leave the dental office with your brand new smile.
Recovery and Maintenance
Luckily, there really is no recovery process to worry about after having your veneers placed. Other than waiting for any anesthetics you've been given during the placement process, you can start talking and eating like you normally would. The veneers might feel strange at first, so it could take a few days to get used to chewing with them. But after a little time passes, the veneers will feel just like your normal teeth.
Your veneers should last for several years before having to be replaced without any special maintenance or management on your part. But you can maximize the lifespan of your veneers by avoiding activities such as biting on hard objects (like pen tops) and tearing packages open with your teeth. You can also keep your veneers in good shape by wearing a night guard to ensure that you don't clench your veneers together when you sleep. For more information, reach out to dental veneer services in your area.