Veneers in Foley, AL
If you’re interested in veneers in Foley, AL, it may be because you’ve heard that they can correct aesthetic issues with your teeth, such as cracks, discoloration, or chips. This safe and routine dental service is often referred to as cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist in Foley, AL, can provide you with veneers that will improve your smile and help with a number of other benefits, too.
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer is a type of cover that fits over the tooth. They can be made of different materials, but the process is to place it on the front surface. It acts as a concealer, so you can have a straight and even smile. You can think of veneer as something like camouflage because it enhances the appearance of your teeth without calling attention to the material.
Who Typically Gets Veneers?
You might wonder why people get other types of dental services, like braces or teeth whitening, when they can get veneers instead. The reason is that veneers are usually meant to fix a single tooth rather than an entire smile. So if you have one gap in your teeth or one tooth that was chipped, then veneers might be the best treatment.
Other potential motivators could include small or misshapen teeth. In some cases, veneers would be too costly or otherwise impractical, depending on the severity of the problem. Talking to a dentist can help you decide whether veneers would provide the long-lasting benefits you’re undoubtedly looking for.
Can Everyone Get Veneers?
No. People with gum disease or extensive tooth decay will not be able to get veneers. Talk to your dentist about fixing your oral health, as you may be able to get veneers once the other issues are addressed.
Veneers Vs. Crowns
You might think that a veneer sounds a lot like a crown. However, while both are meant to adhere to a tooth, a crown will restore a damaged tooth, while a veneer will largely cover up just the front surface. So if you have any type of damage on the interior or the back of the tooth, you’ll require a crown rather than a veneer. A crown is typically not considered cosmetic, as it’s placed to help you bite and chew normally. A veneer will not necessarily help your speaking or chewing patterns, but it can fill in spaces that impact your bite.
What Types of Veneers Can I Get?
Veneers are not made from a single material. The type of veneer you can get depends largely on the dentist in Foley, AL you visit. Some options may include:
- Composite: Made from a type of resin, this is the same material used in bonding. While composites are typically more affordable, they also wear out faster. In around four years, you’ll likely need another veneer.
- Porcelain: Porcelain veneers require the removal of some of your natural enamel, so the veneer will stay in place. They’re custom-made and can last up to 10 years on the tooth.
- No-prep: Because porcelain veneers are a more involved process, some people will opt for no-prep treatments, because they don’t require the same degree of enamel loss.
- Removable: These veneers will snap into place whenever you want to improve your smile. However, they can impact your ability to chew and speak regularly.
A good dentist can tell you more about how different types of veneers are made, what the procedure will be like if you decide to go through with it, and how long you can expect the results to last. When you have questions about how veneers will look or whether you’ll spend your whole life replacing them, Sand Dollar Dental is here to help.
The Process
We’ll take you through what to expect before, during, and after the process.
Before the Placement
The first thing that the dentist will do is decide whether or not you’re eligible for the treatment. They’ll look at your teeth and gum to see how healthy and strong they are before making their official decisions. If you need to take care of any issues, you may be able to schedule a couple of appointments before you’re ready for veneers.
From there, the dentist will typically take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. The dentist might place a temporary veneer in the meantime as the dental lab makes the permanent versions.
During the Placement
Once the veneers are shipped to the office, the dentist will double-check that the shape and color are correct for you. When it comes to color, the goal is to have the veneer blend in with the rest of your teeth. This is why some people will have professional teeth whitening done before they get veneers, so the veneer can be as white as possible without standing out.
Once the dentist has confirmed that the appearance is correct, they will permanently bond them using cement. They’ll check the bite of your teeth, so you can chew comfortably without putting stress on other areas of the mouth. Should you wish to make adjustments to the veneers, such as changing the color or shape, your dentist can work with the lab so you can have the smile you want.
After the Placement
Thankfully, there’s no recovery time after veneers. Eat normally, drink normally, and return to all of your regular activities after the appointment. The only warning is to avoid eating until the anesthesia has worn off. People with veneers should use soft-bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
Brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly are a must. Do not use whitening products, as they can aggravate the veneer material and potentially shorten its lifespan. If you want your veneers to last closer to 10 years than 5, try cutting up extremely crunchy or chewy foods and using your back teeth to chew them. To keep your veneers white, drink water after having colored foods and drinks like berries or red wine, and brush your teeth if possible when having them.
Pros of Veneers
There are a number of reasons to get veneers:
- Veneers don’t just help you look better, they encourage you to take an active interest in your smile. Activities like brushing and flossing can become a lot easier, which can lead to healthy teeth for the rest of your life.
- Veneers are easy to maintain, and they can last for a decade or more with proper care. They resist stains better than your natural enamel, and they blend in with your teeth.
- Veneers don’t damage your teeth, and the process and recovery time is relatively minimal.
Despite the benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider. Not only will you lose some of your tooth enamel during the process, but a veneer can’t protect against all damage. If you have concerns about what you can expect from veneers and why it’s so important to find the right dentist, Sand Dollar Dental is here to help. Our staff have the equipment, expertise, and know-how to give you all the facts, so you can make a smarter decision.
