The brilliant, even, straight smiles you see your favorite celebrities showing off, are often the thanks to dental veneers. Dental veneers can transform your teeth into a bright, white, evenly spaced, and perfectly shaped smile that will grab attention. But porcelain veneers are not just available to the rich and famous. Dentists in Diamond Bar offer premium quality dental veneers to adults looking to upgrade their smiles. Read on to learn all about porcelain veneers available in Diamond Bar.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are super thin coverings for your teeth. Referred to as “shells,” dental veneers are made of either porcelain or composite material. They are bonded to the outside surface of your teeth to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry, provided only by dentists who offer cosmetic dental treatments. Dental veneers are a non-surgical, but permanent solution to imperfect teeth, and require multiple office visits to complete treatment. Though it is common to get veneers on all teeth, some individuals may only need a single or a few veneers to cover teeth that are chipped, crooked discolored, or smaller than the other teeth.
What is the Process of Getting Dental Veneers?
If you’ve decided you’re interested in improving your smile, your dentist may recommend veneers. If you opt for this treatment, you should expect at least two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, evaluating the health of your teeth and gums. You will likely have digital x-rays taken to rule out any signs of decay in the teeth, or infection in the gums. If you are eligible for veneers, you’ll then discuss your goals, options, and expected outcomes.
Your dentist will discuss the number of veneers you need, share recommendations for the best size of veneers, and help you select the color of your veneers. During this appointment or a subsequent appointment, the dentist will then have to prep your teeth to place the veneers.
Prepping the teeth involves trimming off a very thin layer (generally half of a millimeter) of your tooth enamel, using a specialized grinding tool. This creates the space for the porcelain shell to lay over your teeth, without being too bulky near your gum line. Most people find the procedure of removing enamel to be painless, but if you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend numbing the area.
Once your teeth have been prepped, you will need to have impressions taken of your teeth. The impression will be sent to the lab that will custom fabricate your veneers to fit your teeth. You may have temporary veneers placed after, or you may not require temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent veneers to arrive from the lab.
After your permanent veneers have been received by your dentist, you’ll return to have them bonded to your teeth. If you had temporary veneers placed, they will need to be removed first. Your dentist will then check to make sure each veneer is a perfect fit before bonding them to your teeth with dental cement. After they are bonded, a special light is used to cure the veneers to your teeth. This painless curing process just takes 60 seconds per tooth.
If there is any excess material, your dentist will trim it from the veneer, so that you leave the dental office with a beautiful new smile.
Patients who have a single, or a few veneers placed generally don’t have any pain or soreness after getting veneers. If you get veneers on all or most of your teeth, you may have some tenderness around your gum or in your jaw. This will go away in just a few days.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
The benefits of dental veneers are all cosmetic in nature. Veneers don’t correct a bite issue or treat any underlying condition. But they are used to correct dental imperfections that may make you insecure. Dental veneers can correct:
- Small gaps in teeth
- Jagged teeth
- Pointy teeth
- Teeth that are smaller than others
- Discolored teeth
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Uneven teeth
Dental veneers are also incredibly durable, often lasting for more than a decade, and in some cases lasting more than 20 years if you take excellent care of them. Caring for porcelain veneers does not require any special tools or products. You just need to brush twice daily, floss daily, and see your dentist for regular preventative cleanings and exams. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments from time to time.
Are There Any Risks Involved with Dental Veneers?
The procedure for getting dental veneers is not risky. However, once you have veneers, you will always need them, so deciding to get them is a permanent decision. In addition, you should know that they can be damaged easily because they are made of such thin shells. To prevent damaging veneers you should avoid:
- Biting or using your teeth to open bottles, jars, etc.
- Chewing on hard items (pens, fingernails, ice)
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Foods that stain teeth such as coffee, soda, red wine
If you have sensitive teeth, be sure you let your dentist know before agreeing to get veneers. Because a thin layer of your enamel must be removed, in some people this can lead to increased sensitivity.
Will Insurance Cover Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are considered an elective, cosmetic dental procedure so insurance typically does not cover the cost. In rare cases, where a veneer may be needed to correct an issue that was caused by an injury or accident, a single veneer may be partly covered. But most patients will have to pay for veneers out of their own pocket. Third-party financing such as CareCredit may help you pay for dental veneers.
Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Diamond Bar
As a top top-reviewed cosmetic dentist, Phillips Ranch Dental Group provides porcelain dental veneers in Diamond Bar. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Merchant, call 909-860-0321 or request an appointment online.
Phillips Ranch Dental Group is located at 750 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. We are open Monday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Tuesday from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Wednesday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, and on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
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