Dental Veneers at Implant Dentistry Northwest
Hello, I'm Dr. Keith Phillips here at Implant Dentistry Northwest. We receive many questions regarding dental veneers. I'm going to take a few minutes to answer some of the most common questions about dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain, like a little fingernail, that get bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They can be used in many different ways to help you achieve a more aesthetic appearance.
What problems can be solved with dental veneers?
Dental veneers can help improve your smile in various ways. They can change the color, shape, and position of your teeth, and can also close spaces between teeth. They are versatile in helping you achieve a better smile.
Are veneers permanent or removable?
Veneers are typically permanently bonded onto the fronts of the teeth, so they stay on. They don't come off and on, making it a very convenient way to enhance your smile.
What should I expect throughout the process of getting veneers?
The process of getting veneers is fairly straightforward. Many times, there's minimal preparation of your tooth, making it very conservative. Sometimes, depending on the position of your tooth, we can do it without preparing the teeth at all. It's a very conservative way of achieving a more aesthetic smile.
Will veneers match the color of my teeth?
Porcelain veneers come in many different shades, and we have our own technicians who will customize the color to best match your existing teeth.
Porcelain versus composite veneers. What are the pros and cons of each?
Porcelain veneers are typically made of porcelain, but they can also be made of a composite material, which is a kind of plastic. The pros of porcelain veneers are that they maintain their color and durability for a much longer time. Composite veneers can stain over time and may wear out faster than porcelain ones. The main advantage of composite veneers is that they're typically less expensive, but you may need to have them redone more frequently.
How long will it take to place veneers on my teeth?
The time frame for placing veneers typically starts with getting diagnostic impressions of your teeth to design your smile. After that, there's a preparation and impression visit where temporary veneers are placed to evaluate your smile. Typically, a couple of weeks later, the new veneers are ready. From start to finish, it could be anywhere from three to four weeks. Sometimes, for some patients, we can do it the same day, depending on your situation. We have the equipment to prepare your teeth, get a digital impression, and fabricate the veneer on site.
How long do veneers last?
Most studies show veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, and sometimes even longer, depending on your situation. The main factor for longevity is ensuring a healthy tooth for bonding. If we achieve a good bond, they could last for decades.
Do dental veneers require special care?
Caring for veneers involves regular brushing and flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. You should treat them just like regular teeth.
When should I schedule an appointment to get veneers?
If you're interested in getting veneers, I recommend scheduling a consultation for us to evaluate your situation. During that visit, we'll ensure the gums and teeth are healthy and in the right shape for placing porcelain veneers.
At Implant Dentistry Northwest, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (253) 600-2621 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.