You see celebrities flashing their straight pearly whites at cameras, and you envy them their good fortune of having great teeth. More often than not, however, those beautiful smiles are made possible with veneers.
Why Opt for Veneers?
What are veneers? They pertain to a dental treatment involving thin porcelain or composite material that is bonded to the tooth surface to either provide a straighter, whiter, or more even appearance. Each one requires a custom procedure designed to meet the patient’s unique needs. Veneers may go over one or more teeth, depending on the case.
Veneers are versatile, addressing a range of dental issues and requirements. They’re also less invasive than many other options that are used to correct the same dental problems.
Besides these, they’re very discreet and natural-looking as well, blending in well with the rest of your teeth. They’re also low maintenance, requiring no special attention or regular adjustment from your dentist.
Some Caveats to Be Aware of
Veneers can produce amazing results, but they’re not without some provisos. For instance, they won’t discolor along with natural teeth, so they may eventually become more obvious if you let the rest of your teeth discolor.
They’re also not ideal for patients who tend to grind their teeth, bite their nails, or chew on ice. If you do any of these and want veneers, you’ll have to find ways to rid yourself of these habits.
The most concerning caution involves decay. Those with a history of enamel weakening and gum disease may develop cavities under their veneers. Normally, veneers would actually be protective against decay, but there are cases when patients are just more prone to develop problems.
At the end of the day, veneers may not need regular maintenance, but they do require that you take care of your oral health well for them to effectively serve their purpose for a longer period of time.
Thoughts to Ponder on Getting Veneers
You’re strongly considering getting veneers, but what should you know beforehand so you can make an informed decision?
1. Dentists don’t have equal skills.
For great-looking veneers, you need a fantastic dentist. Veneers may be done for aesthetic purposes, but they also involve a serious dental procedure. You have to be confident of your dentist’s skills before moving forward.
Ask to see the portfolio of veneers Fort Lauderdale dentists you visit have. This should showcase their patients’ before and after teeth photos.
If you’re not impressed with what you see, shop around some more for another cosmetic dentist who has more to offer.
2. Veneers won’t give you somebody else’s smile.
If you’re under the impression that getting veneers is just like getting a haircut, it’s time to disabuse yourself of this notion to avoid disappointment later on. You can’t go to the dentist with a magazine, point to a model’s smile, and ask to be given the same.
While a hairstyle may be regrettable as well, it will easily grow out. This is not the case with veneers. Teeth are infinitely harder to work with. You can make your smile over, but it will have to be in a way that is feasible with what the dentist has to work with and that is suitable to your needs.
3. There’s a trial period.
You will get to see how your veneers look and fit in your mouth for a week or so before you get the more permanent ones in. There’s a quicker turnaround option of just 24 hours, but it’s much more expensive.
In any case, if you’re not leaving town, getting married, or doing anything that would require you to get your veneers at the soonest possible time, it’s better to have an entire week trial run to have a more comprehensive experience with the temporary ones. This will give you and your dentist a better idea of the necessary tweaks to be done.
4. You have to be under anesthesia for the procedure.
Remember that there’s shaving involved. It’s a medical procedure, so you have to be put under localized anesthesia just like when a person undergoes plastic surgery. If you’re getting veneers on many of your teeth, the procedure could take an entire day.
5. There’s an adjustment period after getting your veneers.
Know this: you may experience pain. Some people are sensitive to the bonding cement, and this usually elicits intense pain that last hours after the anesthesia wears off, hence the need for ibuprofen or a prescribed pain reliever.
After that, dull pain may come and go. Your gums will also be sore as they adjust to the new form of your teeth.
Speaking and eating might feel odd at the beginning. If the pain persists, you’ll have to go back to your dentist for modification or removal of minuscule bits of cement possibly stuck between your teeth.
Determining the Best Treatment
Veneers may seem like the solution to your dental woes, but you and your cosmetic dentist in Fort Lauder dale (or wherever you are located) should take the time to discuss which treatment is really best for your particular case. There are other corrective treatment options, which is why consultation is imperative.
