Veneers Benefits from Primary Dental Care

Many times at Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California, patients who want to improve their smile will opt for a veneer. Some people will require one veneer, which may be used to improve the look of a chipped, discolored, or misshaped tooth, while others may need a series of veneers, which may be used to create a uniform, perfect smile.

What is a Veneer?

A veneer, which may be made from porcelain or other materials, is a shell that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. These cosmetic devices are primarily used to improve the look of a tooth. They do not help strengthen a tooth’s structure, nor do they provide a better surface for biting or chewing.

The Best Materials

When you are considering a veneer, your Primary Dental Care dentist will discuss with you what type of material will best serve your needs. Most often, porcelain veneers are preferred for a numerous reasons. The first is that they are the most durable. Also, porcelain looks most like your natural teeth and it is stain resistant. Thus, a veneer made from this material tends to look the most natural and has a longer life expectancy.

The Process

At Primary Dental Care, the process of fitting and installing your veneer usually takes two visits. During your initial visit, your dentist will evaluate the tooth or teeth that will be receiving the coverings. They will also discuss what type of veneer will best suit your needs.

During this time, they will prepare the surface of the teeth that will be receiving the veneers. After that, your dentist will make an impression of each tooth, and they may protect the surfaces by adhering temporary veneers to them.

Within approximately 10 days to two weeks, you’ll have a second appointment with your dentist. At this time, your permanent veneer will be fitted and glued into place. Proper fit is important, and in some instances, your dentist will find that the cosmetic device does not properly cover the surface. He may make further adjustments to the surface of your tooth, or decide to make another impression of the area and have a new veneer made.

After Your Veneers Are in Place

After your veneer is in place, you may feel some minor discomfort or find the area has sensitivity to changing temperatures. This should pass in a few days and may usually be addressed with nonprescription painkillers. If either of these conditions persists for a longer period of time, contact Primary Dental Care. Patients should also call us if their veneer feels too big, if it is unstable or loose, or if it does not seem to fit properly.

After your veneer is in place, it will serve you well as long as you follow proper dental hygiene practices, which includes brushing your teeth twice a day, daily flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Also, you should never bite down on hard foods or objects, such as hard candy or pens, with teeth that are covered by veneers, as this activity may cause them to crack. Veneers cannot be repaired; they must be replaced.

Finally, if you grind your teeth at night, you may want to be fitted for a night guard. A night guard will help neutralize the force of the grinding, lessening the chance of damaging your veneers.

Looking Great

The proper use of a veneer can greatly enhance your smile, by providing a new surface for a tooth that has been discolored, resurfacing damaged areas, or in closing the gaps between teeth. For more information on veneers or to make an appointment to see a dentist about any of our cosmetic procedures and products, contact Primary Dental Care at in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.