Wichita Dentist – What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front part of the tooth. Veneers have a great, natural look. They can be used to correct many dental issues like teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching, chipped or worn teeth, crooked or misshapen teeth, uneven spaces, or large gaps between the upper front teeth.
Veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin material. When you come in for your veneer consultation, we will discuss which option is best for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit on the tooth.
Some of the main benefits of porcelain veneers:
They are strong and long-lasting
They have a natural-looking surface
They don’t stain easily
Less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap
Steps to place porcelain veneers:
- To prepare the teeth, the dentist usually removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth. This makes room for the veneers so that your teeth look natural
- The dentist makes an impression, or mold, of the prepared teeth. The dentist also decides on the veneer shade that will be best for your smile.
- The impression is used to make a custom porcelain veneer to fit your teeth.
- The dentist places the veneers on the teeth to check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are bonded to the tooth.
- Further changes may be made at a later appointment.
If you are interested in veneers and want a price quote, try our free virtual consult! 
Composite resin veneers
A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material bonded to the tooth.
Benefits of composite resin veneers:
- Usually, less tooth enamel needs to be removed than for crowns or porcelain veneers
- Cost less than porcelain veneers
- Are easy to fix if they get damaged; although composite veneers are generally not as strong or wear-resistant as porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be repaired easily and quickly
Steps to place composite resin veneers:
- After the teeth are prepared or reshaped, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material using a color that is best for you
- A special light is used to harden the composite and bond it to your teeth
- The veneers are smoothed and polished to look like natural teeth
Before you get veneers
- Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you get veneers. Your dentist can treat any disease or decay before your veneers are placed.
- Veneers are not always a good choice for patients who clench or grind their teeth, because the thin veneers may chip or break. If you clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest you wear a plastic dental night guard while sleeping.
- Although your dentist removes a little tooth enamel as possible for veneers, the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed.
- It is possible for veneers to come loose over time. In that case, new ones might be needed
- As with all your dental care, discuss all your expectations and treatment options with your dentist. Regular dental visits are a must for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
After you get veneers
- Veneers can chip or break under pressure. Avoid biting your fingernails, chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice.
- It may take you a few days to get used to the feel of your new veneers. But do let your dentist know if your bite does not feel right after the veneer has been placed. He or she will correct it before you leave the office.
- Keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing and flossing each day. You can still get cavities under or around veneers. Look for dental care products that show the American dental association’s Seal of Acceptance. This says that a product has met ADA standards for safety and effectiveness.
If you are interested in veneers and want a price quote, try our free virtual consult below!
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