A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to enhance the appearance of the smile. Veneers are typically made from porcelain or a similar ceramic. Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can transform the smile for teeth imperfections such as:

• Minor teeth chipping
• Short, small or misshapen teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Worn tooth enamel
• Stained, discolored teeth that are resistant to whitening

Your dentist can alter the color, size and shape of your teeth with veneers based on your desired goals.

Am I a candidate for veneers?

When considering dental veneer treatment, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate for veneers and that your veneers will be successful and last a long time. Ideal candidates for dental veneers include patients with:

• Cavity-free teeth
• Healthy gums, free of inflammation or disease
• No history of teeth clenching or grinding
• Straight, well-aligned teeth
• Sufficient tooth enamel (outermost layer of the tooth)

These conditions can all be evaluated and treated by your dental team to prepare you for dental veneers. Your dentist will assess for cavities and ensure your teeth are in healthy condition. Your dentist and hygienist will ensure that your cleaning type and frequency are sufficient to prevent gum disease and prepare the gums to be as healthy as possible prior to dental veneers.

Your dentist will evaluate the orientation and alignment (how straight your teeth are) as part of their comprehensive evaluation. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, before pursuing veneers. Straightening your teeth prior to veneers allows the teeth to be in the healthiest position to receive veneers.

It is important to let your dentist know if you notice any clenching or grinding habit, called bruxism, either during the day or at night, as the tooth forces from clenching and grinding can damage your veneers. Patients who clench or grind should consider a custom-made night guard, especially with dental veneers.

Your dentist is trained to preserve as much tooth structure as possible when preparing your teeth to receive dental veneers. In order to do this, it is important that there is sufficient tooth enamel for the veneers to adhere adequately.

What is the process of getting veneers?

First, your dentist and hygienist will ensure that all oral health issues are resolved through a thorough dental examination and cleaning.

Our dentists use an advanced cosmetic simulation software called PreVu to show you what your smile could look like with cosmetic dental treatments such as Invisalign aligners, dental whitening and dental veneers. All that is needed is a facial photo taken with a digital camera. When reviewing the cosmetic simulation result, let your dentist know aspects that you like about your smile, as well as what you would like to improve about your smile.

From there, our dentists work closely with lab ceramists to plan your veneer case with your smile goals at the forefront. Our dentists use a diagnostic wax-up (mock-up) to plan your final result, which uses your existing smile to plan the final shape, size and orientation of your dental veneers.

Your dentist will review the veneer mock-up with you so you can visualize the final result and provide any feedback. Once you and your dentist agree on the final result, the preparation phase can begin. Your dentist will carefully remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to allow space for the veneer to sit very precisely on your teeth.

Next, your dentist will take an impression or scan of your teeth to send to the lab to create your custom-made veneers. Your dentist will make temporary veneers that will stay on your teeth until your final veneers are ready. Once your veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist to have the final veneers placed on your teeth.

The veneer process with our office takes about two to three visits. Our dentists work carefully and ensure your comfort throughout the whole process.

How long do veneers last? How do I maintain the longevity of my veneers?

Dental veneers can last 10-20 years, depending on how well the patient takes care of their veneers and maintains their regular dental visits to have the veneers cleaned and assessed.

You should treat your dental veneers as you would your natural teeth when it comes to keeping them clean and healthy; this means seeing your hygienist and dentist regularly for cleanings and dental exams, brushing twice daily (our team highly recommends an electric toothbrush) and flossing daily. If your gums are prone to inflammation, your dental provider may recommend coming in more frequently for cleanings to prevent gum disease and ensure the health of your veneers.

Beyond keeping your veneers healthy, it is important to protect your teeth and veneers from damage. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your custom-made veneers (these tips apply to natural teeth, with or without veneers, as well!):

• Avoid hard, crunchy, tacky, sticky foods. Do not chew ice.
• Minimize consumption of staining food and beverages, such as coffee, tea, wine and highly pigmented fruits and vegetables (ex. tomatoes).
• Do not use your teeth as a tool to open bottles or packaging.
• Wear a night guard and/or retainers as recommended by your dentist and a mouth guard for any playing high contact or impact sports.
• Maintain regular dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year.

Interested in learning more about dental veneers? At Katy Trail Dental, our goal is to help patients in Dallas, Texas, enhance their smiles. Contact our office at 214-380-9071 today to schedule a consultation. We would love to help transform your smile!