Dental Veneer Process: How to Get the Perfect Smile in Carlsbad
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Dental veneers can add beauty and functionality to your smile, but they can also seem like a daunting process to get through if you’ve never had them done before. Our dentist in Carlsbad will make sure you understand the basics of what you need to know about dental veneers, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not they’re right for you, and how to get the best possible results once you decide to go through with the procedure.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that helps create a beautiful smile. This treatment will change teeth that are dull and misshaped into ones that are bright and straight. In many cases, veneers will stay on for years and require little upkeep. If you have stained enamel or gaps between teeth, veneer treatment can cover up these problems to create the smile of your dreams.
Unlike other restorations, the dental veneer process involves covering the visible portion of your most prominent teeth. They aren’t used to repair areas with cavities or structural damage. Veneers are solely cosmetic.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are a few different types of dental veneers, including composite resin veneers and all-porcelain veneers. Porcelain is the most natural-looking and durable type of dental veneer. Composite resin veneers are less expensive than porcelain but they require more maintenance since they tend to wear out a bit more quickly. Generally speaking, most dental veneer processes will be related to porcelain veneers, requiring 2-3 visits overall.
Benefits of Dental Veneers: What do Veneers Do?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover your teeth and improve their shape and color. They can be made of porcelain or plastic and bonded to your tooth surface for a life-like look and feel. To ensure they provide the results you’re looking for, our dentist in Carlsbad has special steps to follow throughout your smile design process.
Traditional Porcelain Dental Veneers Process
Your Consultation and Smile Design: It’s extremely important that we plan your smile to fit your unique facial characteristics and personal preferences. During this step of the veneer process, we’ll determine how many teeth need veneers and what each veneer should look like. Everything from the exact color and hue to the contour and width of your veneers is considered. Dr. DeAngelis may even recommend a secondary consultation visit for you to try-in or preview a wax up of our recommended veneers design.
The Preparation Visit: To prepare your teeth for dental veneers, Dr. DeAngelis will need to numb your front teeth and slightly reduce the thickness of your enamel. Next, we’ll take a series of impressions or scans, which our lab will use to create your new dental veneers. Then we will apply a set of temporary veneers to prevent any sensitivity in the areas of your adjusted tooth enamel.
Final Placement of Your Veneers: Once your permanent dental veneers are ready, the lab will send them to our office about two weeks later. Dr. DeAngelis will check the fit and color, then remove your temporary veneers and bond the permanent ones into place. You’ll have an instantly straight, white smile that you can show off wherever you go.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
In order to keep your dental veneers looking their best for years to come, it’s important that you care for them properly. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss around your veneers daily. Flossing will help prevent cavities between your teeth or gingivitis/gum disease from developing around your tooth. We also recommend sleeping in a nightguard.
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist in Carlsbad
If you’re looking for dental veneers in Carlsbad, Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis can help. DeAngelis Family Dentistry offers comprehensive smile makeovers and custom aesthetic treatments to help you look and feel your best. To learn more about the dental veneer process or find out if the benefits of dental veneers are right for you, call our office today!
