Fixing a Chipped Tooth With Veneers

If you have a chipped tooth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. You may not want to show your teeth when you grin. The good news is that dental veneers are a good way to cover a mild to moderate chip. Read on to learn what veneers are and how they can benefit your smile.

What are porcelain veneers?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is the same color as the tooth. The dentist will work to match it to the surrounding teeth. The dentist will usually recommend a veneer if the tooth has been moderately chipped. The dentist will need to prepare the chipped tooth before placing the porcelain veneer.

This means that more tooth material will need to be removed. A bonded porcelain veneer can last for many years with the right care. Patients may need to make more than one visit when getting porcelain veneers. Each one is customized for the individual patient’s mouth.

What to expect when getting porcelain veneers

Getting veneers will begin with an initial consultation visit. The dentist will help the patient look at all the types of veneers available. Patients may also get X-rays done during this time. The dentist will then prepare the tooth by removing about half of a millimeter of enamel. This is needed to help the veneer fit properly.

Next, the dentist will take an impression of the patient’s teeth. This will create a mold of the patient’s mouth. Then the mold will be sent to a laboratory, who will make the veneers. This will usually take about a few weeks to happen. Many times, patients receive temporary veneers while they wait for the permanent ones.

Once the permanent veneers have come in, the patient will try on the veneers to see the fit. Once the patient approves of the fit, the veneers will be adjusted. The dentist will place dental cement on each veneer and place the veneer on the tooth. Ultraviolet light may be used to help the cement set better and faster. The dentist can give the patient advice on how to care for the veneers.

Caring for veneers

If patients care for them properly, veneers can last for many years. Using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste will prevent scratches on the veneers. Cleaning the teeth properly will help to prevent decay that may weaken the support of the veneers. This includes carefully flossing around each tooth. It is important for patients to move the floss around each of the teeth. This can help patients avoid having gum disease.

Fix a chipped tooth with porcelain veneers

If you have one or more chipped teeth, veneers can help. Patients choose veneers when the teeth are too chipped for simple dental bonding. This is also used as an option when patients wish to cover the entire tooth. If you think dental veneers may be right for you, contact your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.