Veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth to aesthetically improve the smile. Veneers make it possible to correct a variety of color- and shape-related teeth problems. Veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry option to repair or enhance the appearance of front teeth.
Veneers may be used to address the following conditions:
- Reduce or eliminate spaces between the teeth
- Repair broken or chipped teeth
- Whiten teeth that are yellow, permanently stained, or discolored teeth
- Correct uneven, misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
Types of Veneers
There are two kinds of veneers:
Composite or Direct Veneers
A special plastic resin is molded and bonded directly to the tooth in one appointment. Composite veneers are thinner and require less removal of the tooth surface before placement.
Porcelain or Indirect Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a lab and applied to the teeth. They resist stains better than composite veneers and better simulate the shine of natural teeth. Two appointments are required for this process: one for taking an impression, and a second for preparing the natural teeth and placing the veneers once they have been created. Lumineers® and Vivaneers® are two types of porcelain veneers that are so thin they don‘t require any tooth-buffing before placement.
Veneers should be treated just like natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed regularly. With proper home care and regular dental visits, patients will experience long lasting success with their new veneers and smile.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Veneers?
The ideal candidate for dental veneers is anyone who has stained, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth. It’s essential that candidates have healthy gums and enough tooth enamel and bone to secure their implants. As long as candidates are free of gum disease or any active infections and health conditions that may make complicate your procedure, then they can undergo the dental veneer procedure.
If you have tooth decay, cavities, or other dental problems, these may need to be addressed and corrected first before beginning your dental veneer process.
What Can I Expect From My Dental Veneers Procedure?
During the patient’s first consultation with Dr. Louisa Gallegos, your dental history, needs, and goals will be evaluated. Following this, a unique veneer treatment plan will be customized to fit each patient’s smile and mouth.
During treatment, patients may feel increased tooth sensitivity, but this should disappear within a few days. Once the implants are placed in, Dr. Gallegos will clean, polish, and shape the veneers to appear as natural as possible.
What Is Recovery From This Procedure Like?
Most patients take around two weeks to completely adjust to the feeling of implanted veneers in their mouth. In the first 14 days following their procedure, patients may experience slight pain, increased tooth sensitivity, and soreness. However, these side effects are normal and often disappear on their own after the two-week period.
To relieve tooth sensitivity, patients may use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to brush their teeth with. Avoiding extremely hot and cold drinks or food, such as coffee or ice cream, may also help relieve tooth sensitivity.
How Long Will My Dental Veneers Last?
Depending on the type of your veneers and how well a patient commits to an oral hygiene routine, the lifespan of veneers can vary, but on average, most patients are able to enjoy their newly improved smile for up to 10 years. After a decade of wear and tear, eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, patients may notice their veneers can benefit from a follow-up appointment. If that is the case, Dr. Gallegos is happy to welcome back any returning patients.
Schedule Your Dental Veneers Consultation in Denver Today
Ready to achieve your dream smile? Schedule a dental veneers consultation in Denver with Dr. Louisa Gallegos, DDS to explore your options. Take the first step towards a radiant, confident smile today!
