1. What is a dental veneer?
Esthetic porcelain veneers contain a Zirconia frame inside and a thin layer of porcelain outside. It often needs a little grinding to natural tooth to improve the strength or appearance of worn teeth or severely damaged teeth (root canal treatment only needed in some special situations).
2. What are veneers made of?
At Dr Hung & Associates Dental Center, veneers are made from Nano Emax porcelain. Nano Emax (Ivoclar Vivadent) offer the fit, form and function which is expected from pressed ceramics. In addition, they offer improved flexural strength (400 MPa). With optimized esthetic properties creating all-ceramic restorations that offer true-to-nature results, Nano Emax is usually used for front teeth.
3. How do I know if veneers are right for me?
The only way to know if porcelain veneers are a viable option is through a complete evaluation and exam. Our cosmetic dentist will examine your dental history, as well as your current dental health and the condition of the dental enamel. They will also explain other cosmetic treatments, so that you can make a fully informed decision about your dental care.
4. How long does the placement procedure take?
Traditional veneers placement at Dr Hung & Associates Dental Center takes place over two visits. The length of time required for each of these visits will depend on how many veneers a patient chooses to have placed. Following enamel removal and dental impressions, it typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for patients to receive their new veneers. When dentists use CEREC technology to fabricate veneers in the office, patients could enjoy a dramatically enhanced smile in just a few hours.
5. Does the placement procedure hurt?
The placement of porcelain veneers at Dr Hung & Associates Dental Center is typically a pain-free procedure. Dentists usually numb the tooth and the surrounding area before removing the dental enamel. In many cases, this amount of enamel is so small that patients do not even require anesthesia. Once the enamel is removed, patients may experience some sensitivity, particularly before the veneers are attached; once the porcelain is in place, this discomfort should disappear within a few weeks. The attachment of veneers involves no discomfort, although patients may need a few weeks to adjust to the feel of the veneers in their mouths.
6. Do veneers look natural?
Veneers are among the most realistic dental enhancements available. Because they are custom-made for each patient, they will match the shape and color of the surrounding teeth. Additionally, because they are translucent, veneers interact with light just like natural dental enamel.
veneer
7. How many veneers should I get?
Veneers are intended to enhance the teeth that show when a patient smiles, so the number of veneers a patient needs partially depends on how wide their smile is. Some people only show six teeth when they grin, while others may display up to twelve teeth. Of course, a patient’s specific cosmetic goals will also determine how many veneers he or she should receive. For example, if someone wants to treat a single chipped tooth, he may only require one veneer. On the other hand, if another patient wants to conceal widespread tetracycline stains, she could require as many as ten or twelve veneers. Patients will also need to consider their budget; because veneers are individually priced, the number of veneers is the biggest factor in determining the overall cost of treatment.
8. What happens if I only get veneers on my upper teeth?
Because veneers are custom-created to match the surrounding teeth, veneers can be an effective way to treat only the upper (or lower) teeth. However, many patients choose to have teeth whitening performed on the other dental arch for more comprehensive, uniform enhancement.
9. How to take care of veneers?
After the placement of porcelain veneers, patients should commit themselves to good oral hygiene regiments, regular visits to the dentist, and generally healthy lifestyles. This helps to ensure the longevity of the veneers, not to mention good oral health.
Preventing Decay
With proper care, veneers are much more likely to reach the 20 year mark. Along with making regular visits to a general dentist, routine brushing and flossing is the most important thing that patients can do to protect the longevity of their veneers. Although the porcelain itself is not subject to decay, when the underlying tooth structure is damaged by cavities, this can damage the veneer. In many cases, after the cavity is repaired, the tooth is no longer able to support a new veneer.
Protecting Gum Health
Good oral care is also important because it helps prevent gum disease and receding gums, which can compromise the appearance of veneers. Because the porcelain ends at the gum line, if the tissue recedes, the edge of the veneer will become visible, and the entire restoration may need to be replaced. Patients should be diligent about frequent brushing and flossing, but they should also be careful to avoid overly vigorous brushing, as this can also compromise periodontal health.
Avoiding Excessive Force
Habits such as nail biting, chewing ice, and using teeth to open packages are already harmful to teeth, leading to cracks, chips, and dental erosion. Although porcelain is quite strong, it is not quite as tough as natural teeth, so these habits are even more detrimental to patients with veneers. Those with bruxism should also seek treatment before getting veneers or as soon as the condition develops. Although lithium disilicate veneers have proven to be durable even for habitual teeth grinders, treating this condition can further extend their lifespan and protect against related health conditions.
Maintaining the Color of Veneers
Because porcelain is not porous, dental veneers are highly stain resistant. However, the dental cement that holds them in place is still subject to discoloration. When this becomes stained, the edge of a veneer can appear yellowed and unnatural. To protect the color of their smile, dental patients should avoid stain-producing substances such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. Smoking is perhaps the most notorious culprit for dental staining.
10. What should I do if a veneer breaks or comes off?
In the unlikely event that this happens, patients should gather any pieces and store them in safe place before calling their dentist. You should never try to glue the porcelain back in place, although, if they feel extremely self-conscious without the restoration, they can temporarily apply it with drug store adhesive. Many times, our dentist can reapply a broken or loosened veneer. In other cases, our dentist may need to replace the veneer or restore the tooth with another treatment such as a dental crown.
