3 Questions to Ask Before Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a great way to get a natural looking, stain-resistant smile. However, before you decide that dental veneers are right for you, speak with your Century City cosmetic dentist and ask these questions.

Are dental veneers right for me?

While there are several reasons why you might want to consider dental veneers, there are a number of reasons why some individuals are poor candidates for the procedure. Most dentists will tell you dental veneers are not right for people whose mouth has:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Fractured teeth
• Large dental fillings
• Inadequate tooth enamel

Additionally, if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw excessively, it may lead to cracked or chipped veneers. Wearing a night guard may be a potential solution. Otherwise, you might not be a good candidate for dental veneers.

What is involved in the dental veneer procedure?

There are several steps involved in the dental veneer process. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist will explain each one to you beforehand.

In the meantime, what you generally can expect before, during, and after receiving dental veneers is:

• This first stage is to determine your needs and the steps required to achieve the desired results. Your Century City cosmetic dentist will likely examine your teeth, take x-rays, and explain the dental veneer process to you.

• To prepare your teeth for dental veneers requires your dentist to shave the tooth enamel to compensate for the added thickness of the veneers. Once that is complete, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth for the lab.

• After the lab returns the veneers (usually one to two weeks), your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist verifies they are the right fit and color. Then he preps each tooth and permanently attaches the veneers. He then uses a special light to activate the cement and secure the bond.

Once your dentist evaluates your new bite, he will likely make a follow-up appointment for one final review.

How do I care for dental veneers?

Dental veneers require no more care than your natural teeth. You’ll need to continue daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your Century City cosmetic dentist. Additionally, even though dental veneers tend to be stain resistant, you should still limit your intake of stain-causing foods and beverages.

One last tip before deciding dental veneers are right for you. Dental veneers are not reversible. Once your dentist alters your enamel, there’s no going back. Additionally, you’ll probably need to replace them in 5 to 10 years.

The good news is what they do to a less-than-perfect smile. If the color, shape, and contours of your teeth are imperfect or you have fractures, gaps, and minor bite problems, dental veneers might be the right choice for you.