Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Stained or uneven teeth can make you uneasy about your smile. In these cases, porcelain veneers may be just the thing to get you grinning again. Before opting for this cosmetic treatment, make sure you understand exactly what veneers are so you can be sure they are the right choice for you. Read the following answers to some very important questions to learn more.

Question #1: Are Veneers a Permanent Solution?

Answer: Yes. Once you have veneers you will be wearing them for the rest of your life. Your dentist removes a small amount of your surface enamel in order to place the veneer properly onto the tooth. This results in an area of weakened, and sometimes discolored, enamel. If you were to remove the veneers, the tooth would be more prone to damage and the nerve could be exposed. Fortunately, veneers are made to last so you should never need to get them removed.

Question #2: Is the procedure painful?

Answer: Not usually. Your dentist probably won't even need to use a local anesthetic or numbing agent, unless you have very sensitive teeth or gums. Preparation and installation is done to the enamel only, which has no nerves. At most, you should only feel some slight pressure as your dentist works on the tooth.

Question #3: Do you get your veneers the same day?

Answer: Probably not. After removing the enamel, your dentist will take a cast of the teeth. This cast is then used to create veneers that will custom fit to your teeth without any gaps or unevenness. Your teeth will be more sensitive to hot and cold during this period, since the enamel is now thinner. This should go away after the veneers are fitted. You may also be fitted with a temporary veneer while you wait.

Question #4: How are veneers attached?

Answer: A photo-sensitive resin is used to permanently bond the veneer to your tooth. Your tooth and the veneer are coated with the resin. It is then subjected to white light, which causes it to harden into a permanent bond.

Question #5: Do veneers need special care?

Answer: Porcelain is a very strong glass, and it is further supported by your tooth inside. Although not prone to breakage, veneers are not immune to it. Avoid using your teeth as tools, whether it's to pry open a package or to open a nut. You may also want to avoid any foods that are known to crack teeth, such as popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and hard candy. Other than that, continue to brush and floss your veneers as you would your natural teeth, and keep up with your regular dental visits.

For more information about veneers, contact your dentist.