What Are Dental Veneers?

Have you ever had acrylic fingernails put on, or seen someone else’s acrylic nails? Congratulations, you have an idea of what dental veneers do. They cover your natural tooth and are used for aesthetic fixes like stains or discoloration. In this article, we’ll provide more details about dental veneers. 

Who Needs Veneers? 

Veneers are a fantastic solution for those who want a bright smile, and currently have stained teeth. They are also useful to reshape your smile, to close small gaps in your teeth, or to make chipped teeth look whole again.  

How are Veneers Made? 

Ideally, dental veneers are comprised of porcelain, as it’s extremely strong, stain-resistant, and looks like your natural teeth. They are also thin enough that much enamel doesn’t need to be removed from your natural tooth, which makes preparation easy. The superior quality makes porcelain the more expensive option. 

The other common material is composite resin, made of filling materials. These take less time to be fitted. Composite resin veneers are also easily repaired if ever damaged. These are your less costly option. 

How are Teeth Prepared for Dental Veneers? 

The Novato dentist team will assess your teeth to make sure you are eligible. Any dental issues, like cavities or gingivitis will be addressed before the veneer process can begin. If the assessment is successful, Dr. Sun Costigan will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to make space for the veneers, about half a millimeter or less.  

Dental impressions can be taken with putty or digitally after your teeth have been filed down. The San Marin dental Care team will send your impressions to a dental lab to create your custom veneers. You will also receive a local anesthetic to counteract any discomfort you may feel as we prepare your teeth. As you wouldn’t want your new veneers to be noticeable against your teeth, we will match the color to your smile.  

How Long Does This Take? 

This process will take you at least two visits to San Marin Dental. The first visit will focus on preparation, and you will receive your custom veneers on the second visit. 

What Happens After the Veneers are Fitted? 

After the San Marin Dental Care team fits and cements your veneers, they can only make minor adjustments. We highly recommend waiting a few days while you get used to your veneers before we make any final adjustments, like polishing. 

How Long Will My Veneers Last? 

The longevity of your dental veneers depends on the way you take care of them to prevent chips and cracks. Talk to Dr. Sun Costigan about how to properly care for your veneers so they enjoy a long life. 

What Are the Benefits of Getting Veneers?  

Dental Veneers can whiten your smile after years of coffee-drinking, cigarette-smoking, and eating strongly-pigmented food. Not only can they improve the coloration of your teeth, but they will stay white for longer, as they are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth are.  

Veneers can also replace damaged enamel that has worn down over time due to an acidic diet. Erosion of your tooth enamel make your teeth vulnerable to issues like sensitivity or discoloration. Your teeth will be stronger after getting veneers, since this area is covered. 

What Are the Drawbacks? 

The most considerable drawback of veneers is that it’s invasive. When the enamel is removed from your teeth, it can’t be restored, making this an irreversible process. 

Consider also that veneers will heighten your sensitivity in your teeth. When the enamel is removed, the resulting thinner tooth brings the softer dentine closer to the surface, allowing you to be more sensitive to pressure and temperature. 

Have More Questions? 

Call San Marin Dental Care or request an appointment so we may answer any questions you still have about dental veneers. Consider your options carefully to decide if dental veneers are the best solution for you. We are happy to discuss with you!