What Should I Expect During Dental Veneer Procedure?

Nothing should stop your smile. Yet, if you’re concerned about how your teeth look or if they’re not as white and there are chips and cracks on them, then perhaps dental veneers could help you out.

The dental veneer is one of the most known cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike other treatments, the process involved in getting them will not take a few months. If you’re about to receive them, it’s essential to understand what to expect during the procedure.

This blog post will provide an overview of the dental veneer procedure and the risks involved in this treatment. If you’re interested in having this cosmetic treatment, be sure to keep on reading to learn more!

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are composed of tooth-coloured porcelain or composite material. They are bonded over the front surface of teeth to cover imperfections and improve their appearance. They can be an excellent option if you want to enhance your smile while potentially protecting your teeth.

Dental veneers are fabricated in a laboratory and are custom-made to match the colour, size, and shape of natural teeth. Generally, dentists do this cosmetic procedure to address various dental problems, including teeth that are chipped, cracked, misaligned, or discoloured teeth. You can have a confident smile without hiding these cosmetic issues in your teeth with dental veneers.

If you are considering dental veneers, you must consult a qualified dentist to discuss whether they are the right option for you. Moreover, professionals will be able to discuss the procedure in detail with you.

What Happens During a Dental Veneer Procedure?

Some people think that dental veneers involve a hassle and lengthy procedure. But in reality, the process can be straightforward and does not require a long waiting period to see the results. Generally, most dental professionals will perform this cosmetic service as follows:

The initial consultation

Prior to the procedure, you will have an initial consultation with the dentist. They will examine your teeth and mouth, take dental X-rays, and ask about your medical history to determine if you can undergo veneer treatment.

Tooth preparation

When you decide to proceed with treatment, the dental professional will prepare your teeth for the veneers. Depending on the case, they may first administer anaesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Once the numbing agent works effectively, the dentist gently removes a thin layer of enamel from the natural tooth structure. This step will create a more even surface for bonding.

Dental impressions and selecting shade

After the tooth enamel is removed, an impression of your teeth will be taken using a traditional putty impression or intraoral scanner. Then, you and your dentist will use a shade guide to choose the most appropriate colour to match your adjacent teeth.

Creating the dental veneers

Next, the tooth shade and impressions are sent to the dental laboratory to create veneers that highly resemble natural teeth. Typically, you can choose either composite resin or porcelain as the material for your dental veneers.

Waiting period begins

Then, your dentist will make a temporary veneer for you to wear until your final veneers are ready. These are not designed to be permanent and will usually only last a few weeks.

The bonding process of permanent veneers

You will then need to return for a second appointment. The dentist will start to attach the actual veneers onto your teeth during this time using a bonding agent. Depending on the process, they might use a special light to help the adhesive. Finally, your dentist will fit and adjust them if necessary, and they will also check your bite to ensure that everything is fitting correctly. Once everything is in place, you can enjoy your new smile.

What to Expect After a Dental Veneer Procedure?

After you have your dental veneers put in, you may have a bit of soreness, redness, or swelling around your gums. Some patients also report having tooth sensitivity following the placement. These reactions are normal and usually occur because of the bonding cement used to install the veneers.

These common side effects are temporary and should subside within a few days. In general, you should start feeling much better after a couple of days of having the procedure done. Otherwise, if the discomfort persists or you have any other concerns, talk to your dentist immediately. They will be able to help you know if everything is healing as it should be.

Additionally, it’s essential to understand that it may take some time to adjust to how your teeth feel after veneers have been affixed. They may feel odd against your tongue or when you speak. Most dental patients overcome the adjustment period within a few weeks or less. During this time, it is crucial to be extra careful with your teeth as they may be more sensitive than usual.

What to Avoid After Getting Dental Veneers?

After placing your permanent veneers, you may need to make slight changes to your diet and avoid some habits to prevent damage. Your dentist will give you such information before leaving the clinic. Generally, they will likely advise you to avoid the following:

• Tough to chew meat.
  
  
• Biting down on hard raw fruits and vegetables, we suggest you slice them into bite-sized.
  
  
• Staining foods like tomatoes, dark berries, and dark liquids.
  
  
• Some type of veneers are stain-resistant, but it’s best to remember that dark drinks, such as black tea, black coffee, or red wine, should be taken minimally.
  
  
• It’s best to skip extremely hard or chewy foods, like nuts and popcorn kernels.
  
  
• If it’s impossible to avoid alcoholic beverages, you can consume them moderately as they contain dark pigments that may stain your veneers over time. Also, they may weaken the dental cement used to attach them to teeth.
  
  
• Caramel apples or similarly sticky candies can stick to veneers or cause them to pop off.
  
  
• You should avoid biting or chewing ice cubes because they can chip or break your veneers.
  
  
• Never use your teeth to loosen tie knots, opening packages, or nail-biting.

It’s important to avoid or limit what is mentioned above and do proper care for your veneers so you can enjoy having a brighter smile.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers can be a great way to improve the look of your smile that can last for many years. Taking care of them after the procedure is vital to protect your investment.

If you recently had dental veneers fitted, you will want to ensure that they will remain to look great. Here, we provide a few tips on how to maintain well your veneers:

• Choose a healthy diet and use a straw.
  We recommend that you sip through a straw when drinking dark liquids and be mindful of the foods you are eating. There are fewer restrictions when wearing dental veneers. However, you need to be careful when eating hard foods. If you think they are too tough to bite or chew, it’s best to slice them in small bites or skip them.
  
  
• Have good oral hygiene.
  Like your teeth, you need to practise dental hygiene routine by brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria. Be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush, as abrasive products can damage the veneers.
  
  
• Keep your oral health.
  Be sure to see your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. During these visits, your dentist will check for any veneer damage or wear and tear.
  
  
• Address teeth grinding.
  One of the things you need to be careful of is bruxism. If you do grind or clench your teeth, it’s important to inform your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage the issue and protect your teeth.
  
  
• Don’t use your teeth as a tool.
  Even though veneers are durable, they can still be susceptible to damage. To help keep them in good condition, avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, fingernails, and pencils. Doing so can cause your veneers to chip or crack.
  
  
• Avoid smoking.
  Smoking is a poor habit in general, and it will also cause your veneers to become stained and discoloured. If you want your veneers to look their best, you must stop smoking. If you find it challenging to do so, then there are many cessation aids available that can help you.

Are There Any Potential Risks with Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option, but they are not suitable for everyone. Before you decide to get veneers, it is essential to be aware of the risks and potential limitations of this treatment.

One of the most concerns with traditional veneers is that it is an irreversible procedure. Once your dentist removes the enamel from your real teeth, they cannot re-mineralise or grow back. They also require a lifetime commitment in terms of care and maintenance. Although there’s no special care needed, veneers can break or chip if you neglect them.

Additionally, there is a small risk that veneers could cause an imbalanced bite or increase dental sensitivity. In rare cases, they have the potential to look unnatural. Hence, it’s crucial to find a dental professional with good experience performing dental veneers. It is essential to discuss your realistic expectations with the dentist before the procedure to ensure they are the right option for you.

Final Thoughts

Dental veneers are a minimally invasive way to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. The process usually only requires two appointments and is not painful as other dental treatments. In some cases, the dentist may administer anaesthesia during the removal of tooth enamel to help patients feel comfortable. However, there may be some side effects following placement which should subside within a few days.

If discomfort persists after a couple of days following the placement of the veneer, we recommend calling your dentist. It’s essential to remember that prompt actions are crucial to avoid compromising your veneers and dental health.

At Darch Dental Centre, we want to ensure that our patients are fully informed about the entire process before making a decision. Our dentists will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, contact us at (08) 9303 9770 to schedule your consultation appointment!