Dental veneers were invented in 1928 by Charles Pincus, a dentist in California, as a means to temporarily change the appearance of an actor’s teeth for a movie. After their success, dentists around the country began perfecting them for everyday use for their patients, and the rest is history.
Veneers can hide multiple dental imperfections at once, making them a great treatment for people who would normally need multiple procedures to fix all the flaws in their teeth. But how do they work? Are there any side effects? Read on to learn all you need to know to see if a Hollywood smile is right for you.
Dentist Consultation and Planning
The first step for any dental procedure is a full exam and consultation with your dentist. Veneers aren’t the right treatment for everyone, and your dentist will be able to help you make that decision when you visit. Once you commit to the treatment, you’ll schedule some follow-up visits to get the work done.
A Permanent Dental Procedure
Veneers are hard shells made of dental-grade porcelain or composite resin material that are adhered in place. To make them look flat and natural, your dentist must remove a portion of the enamel before the bonding process.
The amount removed is very small—only 0.5mm in most cases—but once removed, it cannot be grown back, so dentists are careful to only perform the treatment for people who need more complete restoration. This is why veneers are known as a permanent procedure.
Fabrication and Installation of Your Veneers
Once your enamel has been removed, the dentist takes a scan of your whole mouth to ensure that your new veneers will fit correctly. The scan is then sent to a dental lab where your veneers are made for your next appointment. Until then, you’ll be fitted with a set of temporary ones to wear for two to four weeks.
On your next visit, your dentist will test the fit of your new veneers and make adjustments—if necessary—before applying them to your teeth. The dentist will use a special long-lasting cement to bond your natural teeth to the veneers.
With proper care and forethought, veneers can be a great option for giving you a bright, natural smile. If you’re willing to commit to the process of having them replaced every ten years or so, your veneers will serve you well for a lifetime of smiles.
About the Practice
At Woodshore Family Dentistry, Dr. Pattni, Dr. Desai, and Dr. Pham form a compassionate and experienced team with all the knowledge and skills required to take your dental experience to the next level. All three are Texas natives who graduated from the top dental schools in the state. To schedule an appointment and discuss veneers or other services, visit their website here or call (979) 341-9890.