General dentistry helps to keep your mouth healthy with preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. It addresses issues that develop in your mouth. Regardless of how well a person takes care of their teeth, they might become damaged or discolored due to factors like trauma to the face or taking medication like tetracycline antibiotics.
Veneers are one of the restorations used in general dentistry. These tooth-shaped shells are used to cover the front part of teeth, hiding any flaws on them. Veneers were invented to make the smiles of actors look better on screen, and it is one of the most effective ways to improve the way a person’s smile looks drastically. They only cover the front part of teeth, so they are typically recommended when the patient’s issues are isolated there.
Veneers have multiple uses in general dentistry. Some of the issues a dentist might recommend veneers for include:
Getting veneers placed on teeth usually requires multiple dental visits. The procedure requires making permanent alterations to the patient’s teeth by removing portions of enamel, so dentists typically give patients time to think about their decision.
The first part of the procedure involves injecting the patient with a local anesthetic and removing enamel from the front part of their teeth being treated. The removal of enamel makes space for restorations and prevents the treated tooth from looking abnormally bulky.
An impression of the teeth being treated is made by having the patient bite down on a mold or using digital images to create a 3D model. The impression or model is sent to technicians in a lab where dental restorations like veneers are made. The process takes about two weeks for the customized restoration to get back to the dentist. The patient gets temporary veneers to protect their teeth while they wait.
The patient comes back for a second appointment about two weeks after their first appointment. The temporary veneers are taken off, and the customized veneers are installed. Alterations are made as needed to ensure the veneers fit as they should. The patient’s smile should be wholly transformed at that point.
Patients who would rather not have their enamel altered should consider no-prep veneers. This is a particular type of veneer that does not require removing enamel from the patient’s teeth. These restorations are a lot thinner than conventional veneers, so they do not cover up stains and discoloration as well.
The benefits of restoring teeth with veneers include:
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Dealing with a dental problem that affects the appearance of your teeth? Call or stop by our Woodland Hills clinic to explore options like veneers.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
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