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 some cases, Parkway Dental Care places a single veneer to correct discoloration or repair a broken or chipped tooth. In other cases, the dentist may recommend a full set of six to eight veneers to cover the top front teeth. Parkway Dental Care offers two types of veneers—traditional and no-prep, and the procedure varies slightly depending on the type used.
Traditional Veneers
Traditional veneers are the most popular type of veneers. These veneers are crafted with solid porcelain to ensure durability. Our dentist in Rolling Meadows 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.
After the dentist preps your teeth, they place temporary veneers to protect them while the dental lab creates your porcelain veneers. When the permanent veneers are ready, the dentist applies a light-sensitive resin to your teeth and positions each veneer. Then, a curing light hardens the resin, bonding the veneers securely to your teeth
Once the resin sets, the dentist polishes your teeth and removes any excess resin from the sides. Your teeth and gums may feel slightly sore, so follow aftercare instructions carefully, including rinsing with warm salt water and gently brushing and flossing during 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 Parkway Dental Care 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 Parkway Dental Care could be a good solution. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn more about cosmetic veneers.
