Misconceptions About Dental Veneers
Posted on: 13 September 2017
A dental veneer is a tooth-shaped piece of dental material that is bonded to the front of a tooth. The veneer, which hides the tooth and its flaws, can transform chipped, cracked, gapped, crooked and discolored teeth. Only the veneer, which looks like a perfectly shaped, healthy, white tooth, is visible.
Many people desire an application of veneers to improve the overall look of their teeth. However, they may be concerned about receiving veneers because of false information that they may have heard about them. Here are a few false statements that are sometimes made about dental veneers.
Veneers Can Only Be Applied to a Few Front Teeth
Although veneers are sometimes used to only cover the teeth that are easily seen when a patient speaks or smiles, veneers can be used to cover any number of teeth. If only a single tooth is blemished, only one veneer may be needed. The single veneer's color can be matched to that of the patient's untreated teeth.
In some cases, a patient may want veneers to cover all or the majority of his or her teeth. The number of teeth treated by veneers is dependent on the individualized needs of the dental patient.
Veneers Are Normally Applied During a Single Appointment
The preparation and application of veneers usually requires multiple dental visits. In addition to a preliminary consultation, a separate visit is needed for the preparation of a mold of the patient's oral cavity. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where the veneers are created. Once the laboratory has completed the veneers, they are sent back to the dental office.
During a separate appointment, the teeth are prepared for the placement of the final dental veneers, and a trial set of veneers may be applied. After the permanent veneers are ready for application, they can be bonded into place. Thus, several dental visits are needed for the entire application process.
Veneers Look Unnatural
Veneers are made of a tooth-colored material, such as resin or porcelain. In addition, the sheen and translucency of the veneers are quite similar to those of natural tooth enamel. As a result, the veneers are difficult to discern from natural teeth.
Veneers are also sculpted to ensure that their shape is flattering and appropriate for the facial structure of the patient.
If you are interested in receiving dental veneers, schedule a consultation with a dentist like Tore D Steinberg DDS PC in your local area.
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