What to Expect After Getting Dental Veneers

The process of getting veneers happens over the course of one or more dentist appointments. It is a quick and painless treatment option that takes care of small or moderate dental problems.

It is easy to find information that covers the process of dental veneer installation. Information that describes life with dental veneers is not as easy to come by. Luckily, this article describes what to expect in the days, months and years after a dentist places veneers on your teeth.

How a dentist fits veneers, in a nutshell

There are three stages that patients go through as they get dental veneers. The first is the evaluation stage, where the dentist diagnoses the patient. They figure out the extent of their patient’s dental problems and recommend veneers where appropriate.

In the second stage, the dentist prepares their patient’s teeth to make room for veneers. This step involves treating problems like tooth decay and injury. Most importantly, the dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer. The dentist will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and use it in the fabrication of a custom restoration.

The final stage is the placement of the veneer, which is as simple as attaching the veneer with the help of dental cement. Once the veneer is in place the dentist hardens the cement with a curing light. They smooth and polish the veneer to remove any rough surfaces or sharp edges. The dentist could combine one or more of these stages.

Recovery after veneer installation

The installation of dental veneers is a minor procedure that requires little or no anesthetic. This means that the patient can get back to their daily routine when they walk out of the dentist’s office. 

Only the patient who undergoes sedation needs time off their feet for the sedative to wear off. A few hours is all it takes, but the patient will need a ride home.

Living with dental veneers

Dental veneers can last anywhere from five to twenty years. Their lifespan depends on the material that goes into their fabrication, with porcelain and zirconia being the most durable. Veneers made of dental bonding tend to be less tough than porcelain alternatives. The most important factor that affects the longevity of veneers is how the wearer takes care of them. Here are a few simple pointers:

1. Diet

Veneers can handle an apple, but they may break or come loose if forced to chomp down on tough nuts. The person with veneers should be wary of biting down on hard foods and objects. They should also maintain a healthy diet that prevents tooth decay and other oral health problems.

2. Oral hygiene with veneers

Brushing at least twice a day is a practice that keeps veneers and the teeth they cover in good shape. However, some types of mouthwash can eat away at the dental cement that holds the veneers in place. Consult the dentist about the use of mouthwash.

3. Keeping veneers white

Teeth whitening works better on natural teeth than veneers. It is important to prevent staining of veneers because restoring their color is difficult or downright impossible. Avoid substances that stain teeth, like cigarettes, tobacco, too much caffeine and too much red wine.

Regular dental checks also go a long way to keep veneers in shape

Contact our office to set up an appointment with our dentist. They are happy to use their vast experience to find the perfect way to restore your teeth. Our practice has many happy patients with million-watt smiles, thanks to our dentist’s skillful fitting of veneers. Join them and enjoy excellent after-care with the routine dental checks we offer.

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