Did you know that 81% of people think their teeth are unattractive in pictures? In fact, this leads to 28% of them not even showing their teeth in pictures on social media!
Are you one of these people? Then you might not feel confident about your teeth.
But there are ways to improve your looks through cosmetic dentistry. One great type of cosmetic dentistry people are turning to is veneers.
If you’re interested in veneers in Brentwood, CA, then keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the procedure.
What Are Veneers?
First of all, what are veneers exactly?
Basically, they’re dental shells that are customized to fit your existing teeth. They can be made of either porcelain or composite resin.
The purpose of veneers is to make up for any imperfections in your natural teeth. For example, if you have any discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth, veneers can help make your teeth look brighter and more uniform.
What’s great about veneers is that they’re stain-resistant. That doesn’t exactly mean that you have free reign to drink all the red wine and coffee you want, but it does mean that you might be able to get away with having a glass/cup or two without brushing your teeth right away.
Now that you know what veneers are, let’s dive into the process of getting them.
Initial Consultation
First, you’ll go for an initial consultation. The dentist will take a close look at your existing teeth and discuss with you what it is you wish to achieve. During this time, they’ll also make sure that you’re a good candidate for veneers.
Your dentist will also make impressions of your mouth and teeth, as well as take X-rays. This will not only help them confirm that you’re a good candidate for veneers, but they’ll also help your dentist create a personalized plan for you.
If you have things like gum disease or tooth decay, they might disqualify you as a candidate for veneers.
Second Appointment
If you have another appointment, then this means that you’re a great candidate for veneers!
So to get you prepared for them, your dentist will trim down your teeth. They’ll use a grinding tooth to get rid of around 0.5 mm of the teeth that’ll get veneers on them.
Once your teeth are ground down, your dentist will take another mold of your teeth and send it off to a lab. The lab will then create customized veneers based on the mold.
Third Appointment
After a few weeks, your dentist will get your veneers sent back from the lab. They’ll then schedule a third appointment with you.
At this appointment, they’ll fit your veneers to your natural teeth. But first, they’ll check the veneers against them to make sure they’re a good fit. This might take several tries.
Before adhering the veneers, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth. This ensures that there’s as little bacteria as possible on your teeth, which will decrease the chances of decay.
After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will grind down your teeth even more to fit the veneers better. Then, they’ll apply cement, put the veneers on, and shine ultraviolet light on the cement to harden it quicker.
Once the cement dries, then your dentist will remove excess cement from your teeth. They’ll check how your bite is, and if it’s off, they’ll make adjustments to your veneers.
This appointment shouldn’t take too long; 2 hours is typically the maximum. However, if you need local anesthetic for the procedure, it might take an extra 30 minutes.
What Happens After?
With many cosmetic dental procedures, you have to go through an extended recovery period. But not with veneers!
Once you’re done with the procedure (and any anesthetics you’ve had have worn off), you’re free to carry on with normal life. This means you can eat and drink as you did before.
For some people, you might notice rough areas on your veneers. Don’t panic, as they’ll naturally wear down to smoother points after you’ve used and brushed them.
Otherwise, if you’re still bothered by the rough spots, have your dentist smooth them out.
Another Appointment
With some dentists, they might ask you to come in again after your veneer fitting. This is so they can check that your gums are okay and that the veneers are still fitted correctly.
How Long Will Your Veneers Last?
Unfortunately, veneers aren’t permanent. However, if you take good care of them, they will last you a good deal of time! If you follow your dentist’s instructions, they can last between 10 to 15 years.
To take care of them, you need to:
- Avoid chewing with your front teeth
- Avoid chewing on hard things
- Avoid using your teeth to open packages
- Use a mouthguard when playing sports
- Use a splint or retainer when sleeping if you have bruxism
You’ll also have to follow regular dental hygiene, such as brushing twice daily and flossing.
Once your veneers wear down, it’s up to you if you want replacements or another type of cosmetic surgery to get a great smile. Make sure you speak to your dentists about your options.
Get Veneers in Brentwood Today
Now you know what the process of getting veneers is like. As you can see, it’s not a very painful or complex process, which means you can get the smile you want quickly and easily.
So if you want veneers in Brentwood, count on Brentwood Dental to deliver. Our experienced dentists will give you veneers that look just like your original teeth so no one will know you’ve gotten work done!
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, then get in touch with us now. We’ll get you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, so choose the best dentist in Brentwood, CA!