If you are unhappy with the shape, color or overall appearance of your smile, consider investing in dental veneers and dental laminates. Veneers — often also called porcelain laminates — are extremely thin shells made of tooth-colored material. These shells slip over the surface of the tooth and drastically change its overall appearance. Veneers can be used to correct the appearance of just one tooth or several.
Veneers can be used for cosmetic and corrective purposes. Common reasons patients may elect for veneers or laminates include the following:
A patient does not necessarily have to have dental problems for a dentist to recommend veneers. Some individuals simply want whiter, brighter and more appealing teeth, and laminates offer the opportunity to achieve just that.
The veneer process is fairly conservative and, as far as cosmetic procedures go, quick. Below are a few things patients can expect from the entire process of installing dental veneers and dental laminates.
Like with any dental procedure, the veneer process begins with a dental exam and consultation. A dentist will need to assess the overall health of a patient’s mouth before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure, such as veneers. The state of the patient’s oral health, overall health and the alignment of the teeth will determine if veneers are a viable option.
If a patient is not yet a good candidate for veneers, the dentist may recommend a treatment plan to prep the teeth for veneers. This may be the case if a patient has crooked teeth, cavities, gum disease, TMJ or other oral health problems.
Following the initial consultation, the patient will need to schedule two additional appointments — one for prepping the tooth and making the mold, and another for placing the veneers. During the prepping appointment, the dentist will shave down the enamel of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Once the teeth are small enough to accommodate the prosthetics, the dentist will make a mold from a thick paste, and then send that mold to a lab. It typically takes one to two weeks for the lab to deliver the prosthetics, during which time the dentist may equip the patient with temporary veneers.
During the third visit, the dentist will place the prosthetics. The dentist may need to trim a bit more enamel off the natural teeth before placing the veneers. Once placed, the dental professional will evaluate the finished result for color, shape and fit. If everything looks right, the dentist will use a special resin and light to bond the veneer to the surface of the tooth.
Finally, the dentist may request that the patient schedule a follow up visit. During the follow-up appointment, the team will assess the veneers to ensure they still fit and function properly.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Veneers in Park Ridge, IL.
Dental veneers and dental laminates are a great way to enhance the function and appearance of any smile. If you are interested in veneers, discuss your candidacy with a dentist today.
Request an appointment or call Signature Smiles of Park Ridge at 224-217-5400 for an appointment in our Park Ridge office.
A dental implant restoration is often recommended by dentists for patients with one or multiple missing teeth that want the most natural-like and long-term solution for teeth replacement. This review discusses dental implant restoration in detail, highlighting what it is, the benefits, disadvantages, and when to consider treatment.Our goal is to help patients make informed…
Wondering if you should choose a general dentist as your next dental professional? Keep in mind that choosing a new dentist is like choosing a new health care professional, as general dentists are your go-to professionals whenever you are in need of any type of dental care. If you need more detailed dental work, then…
There are a lot of ways to go about whitening your teeth, from over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments to professional teeth whitening from a dentist.Given the increase in over-the-counter products, many of which are unregulated, it’s important to do your due diligence before starting the use of over-the-counter whitening treatment. Additionally, when wanting to pursue teeth…
A dental implant restoration is often recommended by dentists for patients with one or multiple missing teeth that want the most natural-like and long-term solution for teeth replacement. This review discusses dental implant restoration in detail, highlighting what it is, the benefits, disadvantages, and when to consider treatment.Our goal is to help patients make informed…
Wondering if you should choose a general dentist as your next dental professional? Keep in mind that choosing a new dentist is like choosing a new health care professional, as general dentists are your go-to professionals whenever you are in need of any type of dental care. If you need more detailed dental work, then…