What are Cosmetic Dental Veneers?
Cosmetic dental veneers are coverings placed over natural teeth to improve the overall appearance of one’s smile. The thin coverings are most commonly crafted from porcelain and/or composite materials and used to correct minor imperfections such as deep stains, gaps between teeth, and small chips. Veneers are a popular choice among patients looking to brighten their smiles, as they blend in well with the natural teeth, and the procedure is considered minimally invasive.
Veneers Procedure and Types of Veneers
In certain cases, patients at Signature Smile Arts may only need a single veneer to correct discoloration or one broken or chipped tooth. Alternatively, Signature Smile Arts may recommend a full set of six to eight veneers to cover the top front teeth. The two types of veneers are traditional veneers and no-prep veneers and, the procedure varies slightly based on the specific veneer type.
Traditional Veneers
Traditional veneers are the most popular type of veneers. These veneers are crafted with solid porcelain to ensure durability. Our dentist in Chicago can match traditional veneers to the color of your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking appearance. Traditional veneers are applied over two appointments. During the first appointment, our dentist uses molding material to make impressions of the teeth that a lab uses to create permanent veneers. The dentist then preps the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and applying an etching solution to create a rough surface to help with the bonding procedure. Once the teeth are prepped, temporary veneers are placed to protect the teeth while porcelain veneers are created in the dental lab. When your permanent veneers are ready, our dentist in Chicago applies a light-sensitive resin to the tooth surface and places the veneer. A curing light is then utilized to bond the veneer to the tooth surface by hardening the resin. After the resin is cured and your veneers are safely bonded, our dentist will polish the teeth and remove any excess resin from the sides. Your teeth and gums may feel slightly sore, so it’s important to follow aftercare instructions that may include rinsing with warm salt water and gentle flossing and brushing for the first week or two.
No-Prep Dental Veneers
No-prep veneers require some preparation, but this procedure is generally less invasive than traditional veneer placement. Lumineers are one of the most well-known no-prep veneers offered as an alternative to traditional veneers. Lumineers veneers are made of carinate feldspathic pressable porcelain, which is thinner than traditional porcelain. Traditional veneers are approximately 1.5 millimeters thick, while Lumineers are 0.3 millimeters thick. Two appointments are also required for no-prep veneers. During the initial prep appointment, our dentist uses molding material to take impressions of the teeth. No-prep veneers are placed directly onto the teeth, so our dentist isn’t required to remove enamel or etch the surfaces. The molds are sent to the dental lab, and no-prep veneers are created. At the second no-prep veneer appointment, our dentist bonds the veneers to the teeth with bonding resin and a curing light. While traditional veneers are designed for permanent wear, no-prep veneers last between 10 and 20 years.
Benefits of Cosmetic Veneers
Cosmetic veneers are life-changing for those with dental issues such as chips, deep stains, gaps, or uneven teeth that can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and prevent them from smiling altogether. Understanding the differences between traditional and no-prep veneers and learning about the application process at Signature Smile Arts can help you determine the best procedure to meet your cosmetic dental needs.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
If you have damaged or discolored teeth, dental veneers from Signature Smile Arts could be a good solution. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn more about cosmetic veneers.
