Dental Veneers – Northampton, MA
Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dental procedure involving the placement of thin shells of a material used to conceal cosmetic defects like small chips and stains or discoloration. There are two basic types of dental veneers in Northampton: composite and porcelain.
Composite Dental Veneers
Composite is a material that starts out as a putty-like substance, eventually drying into a solid form after being “cured” by a special light.
Composite Dental Veneers Features:
- Conceals minor cosmetic issues
- Relatively inexpensive
- Only requires one dental visit
The Composite Veneers Procedure
Composite dental veneers are applied directly to your teeth by your dentist while you sit in the dentist chair. The material is sculpted onto the teeth in layers. Once your dentist has achieved the correct contours for your composite veneers, the material is left to harden. It is then carefully polished for a smooth finish.
Composite veneers are not as popular as porcelain for a few reasons: For one, the material is not as durable as porcelain. Composite can also become stained, just like natural teeth. So make sure that you avoid consuming beverages known to stain teeth, like coffee, tea and red wine. And do not smoke tobacco products.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are constructed in a dental laboratory that uses an impression formed by your dentist.
Receiving porcelain dental veneers requires more than one dental visit while you wait for the dental lab to manufacture your new veneers. Once your dentist has received them from the dental lab, you will return to actually have them placed on your teeth.
Porcelain Dental Veneers Features:
- Strong, durable material
- Color is a close match to natural teeth
- Lasts significantly longer than composite
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
At your first visit, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth that will be used by the dental laboratory to create your veneers. Your dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth structure to make room for your new porcelain veneers.
At a subsequent appointment, your dentist will attach your new porcelain veneers to your teeth using a dental adhesive.
Although porcelain veneers are more durable and stain resistant than composite, they are also more expensive. And they require more than one dental appointment for placement.
Best Candidates for Dental Veneers
The best candidates for dental veneers are those who have adult teeth and desire cosmetic enhancements like concealing chips and having a whiter smile.
Patients should understand that getting porcelain veneers is a permanent procedure. Some amount of tooth enamel will need to be removed prior to placement, so there is no going back after you have received porcelain veneers.
Veneer FAQs
Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?
You might be surprised to hear this, but the answer is “yes.” In fact, that’s why veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics.” With the thin shells of high-quality dental materials, like porcelain, we can conceal minor crookedness in as little as two visits. So, if you want a straighter smile, but you don’t want to wear metal braces for 2+ hours, schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Northampton!
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?
Like your natural teeth, veneers can break with enough pressure. That’s why we recommend exercising caution with crunchy foods, like hard pretzels, tortilla chips, and raw carrots. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of taffy, caramel-filled candies, and other sticky sweets entirely.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Yes, you can continue to drink coffee following your smile makeover with veneers. In fact, one of the many benefits that come with this cosmetic dentistry treatment is that stain-resistant materials, like porcelain, are used. As a result, you don’t have to worry too much about noticeable yellow stains resurfacing. All we ask is that you continue to take certain precautions to help prevent the teeth that aren’t covered from discoloring, starting with always using a straw.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Before investing your time and money in the treatment process, you might be curious about the longevity of veneers. Fortunately, there have been several studies conducted on the topic. For example, Beier found that 94% lasted 10 years and 83% lasted 20 years.
The key to prolonging the lifespan of yours is prioritizing healthy habits. That starts with brushing for two full minutes each morning and extends to visiting our Northampton dental team every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
That depends largely on your aesthetic concerns and goals. For instance, if you want to fix a small chip that has always bothered you, then you may only need one veneer to achieve the results you desire. Conversely, if you want a completely new look, then we may need 10-12 veneers.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?
The short answer is “yes.” That’s why we need to complete a comprehensive oral exam! In the process, we look for tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems (all of which need to be addressed before cosmetic dental care is provided). We will also learn about your unique aesthetic concerns and goals to determine if veneers can deliver the results you desire.