Questions To Ask a Dentist About Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers Houston, TX

There are many advantages to using dental veneers to improve your smile. For those with gaps between the upper front teeth, severe discoloration, or chips and cracks, veneers are a restorative solution for a natural-looking, healthy smile. In addition, they are relatively quick, non-invasive, and affordable. However, not everyone can benefit, and before you make your decision, you should meet with your dentist in consultation to discuss your options and whether veneers are right for you.

What questions should you ask your dentist about dental veneers?

The consultation with your dentist should be a dialogue. In addition to receiving information about the treatment, you should also ask questions to know what to expect. Your dentist should answer your questions thoroughly and honestly, and an open conversation about veneers can help give you peace of mind with pursuing the treatment. If you are having trouble coming up with questions to ask, here are some ideas.

Will the veneers have to be replaced, and if so, when?

Dental veneers last at least ten years. With excellent care, they may last up to 20. However, the expectation is that eventually, they will wear out and need replacing. Generally speaking, veneers are not considered reversible, meaning you cannot have them removed without replacing them. In that respect, veneers are a permanent treatment, meaning you must be sure of your decision because you cannot change your mind later.

How are veneers cared for?

For the most part, you care for veneers the same way you care for natural teeth, seeing your dentist regularly, brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. However, you must be diligent about your care routine, or decay could affect the teeth under the veneers. It would be best if you also avoided anything that could stain your teeth, including tobacco, soda, and coffee.

Are there foods to avoid?

In addition to avoiding food and drink that could stain your teeth, you should also avoid foods that can damage your veneers. For example, hard foods could crack or chip them, while sticky or chewy foods could pull them off completely.

What is the timeline for treatment?

Getting dental veneers can take up to six weeks and may require three appointments:

  • Aesthetic consultation, during which your facial structure is analyzed and measurements are taken to fit your veneers
  • Preparation for veneers involves the removal of small amounts of tooth enamel
  • Final fitting and cementation when the veneers come back from the lab

Each appointment occurs approximately three weeks apart, depending on when the lab finishes constructing the veneers and sends them back.

Does it hurt?

Because only a minuscule portion of tooth enamel is removed in preparation for veneers, you should feel minimal to no discomfort. The entire process is minimally invasive, but if you are concerned about pain or you have anxiety about the process, speak to your dentist about options for reducing potential discomfort.

How soon can you eat after veneers have adhered?

A tough, permanent adhesive is used to cement the veneers to your teeth, but some caution should be taken following the procedure. It takes at least 24 hours for the bonding to completely set, and you should avoid chewing during this time. However, around two hours after your appointment, the veneers should be set, and some eating can resume. It is important to choose soft bread, pasta, soft canned food, mashed potatoes, bananas, and other soft and non-staining foods.

Are you a good candidate for dental veneers?

To be a good candidate for dental veneers, you have to have good hygiene habits. Your oral health generally has to be good. Veneers are contraindicated for people with gum disease, and your enamel must be healthy to support the preparation of the teeth. You must have only minor cosmetic dental issues. If the damage is more severe, your teeth may not be able to support the veneers. Another treatment may be more appropriate to address your concerns.

What are the signs of trouble with the veneers?

The dental cement holding a veneer in place will loosen over time, but this could be accelerated by poor food choices and dental hygiene practices. If there is a little give on the front teeth when chewing, it could mean the cement is starting to fail. If you notice the margin of the veneers around the gums or the top of the veneer starts to feel rough and even, schedule an appointment to talk to your dentist.

Conclusion

With few exceptions, dental veneers cannot be reversed. Therefore, you should ask plenty of questions of your dentist to make sure they are a good treatment option for you.

<em>Request an appointment here: <a href="https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com"> https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com</a> or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at <a href="tel:7139794127">7139794127</a> for an appointment in our Houston office.</em>

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Houston, TX.

Recent Posts

When Would A General Dentist Recommend Dental Veneers?

Searching for treatment options to improve your smile's appearance? Read on to learn more about how dental veneers can improve the look of your smile. Dental veneers are just one of the numerous treatments available to help you get a beautiful smile. Like many other treatments, veneers have their specific applications. A dentist will need…

Five Things To Know About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are layers of porcelain material that are custom-made in a laboratory and fixed to the visible surface of teeth to restore and improve the natural look of teeth. It is helpful to have a full understanding of what dental veneers are when deciding if they are the right form of restoration for your…

When Are Dental Veneers Recommended?

Wondering when a dentist will suggest dental veneers to a patient? Many individuals visit a cosmetic dentist for dental veneers as they are skilled at transforming smiles and improving overall aesthetics. With dental veneers, optimal results are often achieved. According to Healthline, dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of…

How Serious Is A Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth might not seem like a big deal if it is only a minor break, but it still requires treatment. This is because broken teeth cause more damage than simply ruining the appearance of a person’s smile. The damage typically removes portions of the outer surface of teeth, called enamel, which protects the…

Recent Posts

Can Dental Implants Replace Your Missing Tooth?

Can Dental Implants Replace Your Missing Tooth?

Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…

Dental Implants May Require A Bone Graft

Dental Implants May Require A Bone Graft

One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.A dental bone graft procedure…

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo
Top Doctor Logo
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
Top Doctor Logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo