Dental Veneers Veneers are a thin shell that covers minor imperfections that cause your teeth to have an abnormal appearance, such as gaps, chips, and discoloration. Mukilteo Smiles has a few different styles of veneers available. We can provide you more information on the procedure and help you select the type of veneer that is best for you.Veneer OptionsThere are two different materials that we use to craft our veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain, also called ceramic, is the most aesthetically pleasing choice. It has a nicer appearance and will last longer than composite resin. These have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Composite resin veneers are quicker to produce, but they are also more fragile. These have a lifespan of about five to seven years. There are also several styles of veneers available. For example, palatal veneers, or palatal onlays, are useful in restoring your anterior teeth. These restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, teeth grinding, or other common dental conditions. Removable veneers are more user-friendly since they can be taken out at will. These also require a smaller amount of enamel to be removed. Veneer ProcedureThere are typically three appointments in total to place traditional veneers. During the first appointment, our dentist helps you determine which type of veneer you want. We then examine the teeth and collect dental x-rays. We do this so that we know your teeth are healthy, which is necessary for veneer placement. We finish by collecting a dental impression, which our lab will use to understand your dental structure. During the second appointment, our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the surrounding soft tissue before filing your enamel. This is necessary to give the veneer a base for support. Traditional veneers require 0.5 mm of enamel to be filed off. Some types may require less. We then collect another dental impression, which is then used to craft your custom veneers. We will provide temporary veneers to protect your teeth in the meantime. The final appointment will take place a few weeks later. Here, our dentist will check that the veneers fit properly before cementing them in place. If necessary, we can make minor adjustments to the veneers before they are permanently set in place. We must also roughen the surface of your teeth in order to improve the grip of the dental cement. A special light will then cure, or harden, the dental cement. Our dentist finishes by shaving away any leftover cement and polishing the teeth to ensure the veneers blends in. You may need to come for a fourth appointment as a follow-up a few weeks after your placement procedure. This is so we can ensure that the veneers are still properly attached. If necessary, we can make minor adjustments at this appointment as well. It is normal for your teeth to be sensitive for a couple of days following veneer placement. For additional information on veneers, call Mukilteo Smiles at (425) 438-2400. |
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