If you’ve been considering restoring your smile with the help of veneers, you may be curious about what to expect from treatment. After all, this unique procedure is a little different than your average dental care. Here’s a closer look at what your dentist will do during your veneer treatment, and how you can expect your newly improved teeth to feel afterwards!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that fit over your existing teeth and can improve multiple dental flaws in one treatment. These may include the color, shape, size, and even their spacing. With proper care and use, these dynamic restorations can last 15 or more years, and are both durable and stain resistant, too!
The Veneers Process
Getting veneers is easier than you might think. First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so your veneers can be customized to fit them perfectly. She will need to remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth to ensure that the prosthetics don’t take up too much space in your mouth. Because of this, treatment is considered irreversible, which means going forward your teeth will either always need a veneer or a dental crown for protection.
What Do Veneers Feel Like?
The good news is that your teeth should not feel any different with your veneers. You may experience some temporary sensitivity at first following the enamel reduction, and also while you wear temporary veneers until the permanent restorations are ready to be applied. Once your real prosthetics are cemented into place, you should adjust to them very quickly. The good news is that the cement used in treatment and the veneers themselves are very safe and comfortable, and you’ll likely forget you even have them.
Some patients do experience a slight lisp in the first few days and weeks after treatment, but this is usually temporary and will go away the more you practice speaking. However, if it doesn’t clear up after several weeks, your dentist can file down the veneers in certain areas to help make speaking easier.
How Can I Protect My Beautiful New Smile?
With veneers, you don’t need to do anything special to care for them. However, you may need to switch your tools. For example, your dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to care for them, so they don’t become scratched or damaged. Otherwise, you can use them to eat a full diet, and because they’re stain-resistant you won’t need to give up that daily cup of coffee unless you want to! Still, be careful eating anything too hard or sticky, such as ice cubes or hard candies, as these can potentially damage them or pull them off your teeth!
Remember, veneers feel just like real teeth, but they look even better! Although you may experience some initial sensitivity or speech challenges, the good news is that these are likely temporary and should go away in a few short days or weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance with your gorgeous new smile!
About Dr. Rich
Dr. Cher Rich earned her bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University and her dental degree at the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. She is proud to offer a variety of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments right here in Houston, including beautiful, long-lasting veneers. To learn more about this treatment and the many ways it can help improve your smile, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry today by visiting our website or calling 281-469-6281.