Many cosmetic dentistry treatments are available to help people improve the appearance of their smile, but few are as simple and flexible as dental veneers. These tiny prosthetics are the perfect solution for almost any cosmetic dental problem a person can have.
Considering getting dental veneers of your own? This guide will give you all the information you need to make your decision.
Dental veneers are thin tooth-coloured pieces of synthetic material that dentists place on the surface of their patient’s teeth. This gives those teeth a new, fresh appearance that still blends in with the rest of their smile.
Veneers are a permanent cosmetic enhancement. They cannot be removed, so it is important to be sure you really want them before getting them. Your dentist can help determine if you would be a good candidate.
Dental veneers look like enhanced versions of natural teeth. They may be used to give your teeth a more aesthetically pleasing shape, colour, or size. They can also cover up chips, cracks, pits, and stains that cannot be removed. They can even make your teeth look straighter than they really are.
Once your veneers are applied, they will look just as white, straight, and uniform as you have always wanted them to be.
Dental veneers work by camouflaging your natural teeth under a synthetic cover. The veneer sits on top of your natural tooth, transforming what that tooth looks like when viewed from the front. Underneath, the real tooth remains intact and can still carry out all of the same functions it did before it was altered.
Veneers can be applied to multiple teeth at once, or just one at a time. Many people choose to get veneers on their front teeth but not on the rest. Some dentists even offer partial veneers that you can get to cover up discoloured spots or odd-shaped areas on your teeth.
Traditionally, two different types of veneers are used:
Veneers may be applied to the teeth in two different ways.
Getting veneers typically requires three appointments.
At your first appointment, you and your dentist will discuss what kind of veneers you want and where they will be placed.
Your dentist will also examine your teeth and gums to make sure you are a good candidate for veneers. If you have any untreated tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to receive treatment for these problems before you get your veneers.
Your dentist will place your temporary veneers on your teeth with a weak bonding agent and ask you to wear them for a few days. At the end of this period, you will be asked to give your feedback on your new look. This information will help your dentist perfect the colour and shape of your permanent veneers before they are cemented to your teeth.
Your dentist will numb your mouth again and perform a deep cleaning of your teeth before bonding the veneers to their surface. During this process, they will remove approximately 0.3 to 0.5 mm of your enamel on each treated tooth. They may also make some small adjustments to your veneers to make their shape, size, colour, and other features better match the rest of your teeth and your bite.
No, dental veneers do not hurt. Your dentist will numb your mouth during the placement process so you will not feel anything while they shave down your enamel.
Afterwards, some patients report mild sensitivity in their treated teeth. This is because the teeth with veneers on them no longer have as much enamel on them to insulate them against extreme temperatures. Most patients hardly notice the difference and are able to enjoy all of the same foods as they did before the procedure.
High-quality dental veneers can last up to a decade and sometimes even longer. Their total lifespan will depend on how well you take care of them.
To help your veneers last as long as possible:
Getting veneers is a minimally invasive procedure that should not significantly disrupt your life. After your anesthesia wears off, you should be able to resume your normal activities almost immediately.
Veneers are an investment in your smile that is sure to bring you joy for many years. Get yours from the best dentist for porcelain veneers in Mississauga. Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry at 905-828-9894 or online to book an appointment with Dr. Tousi, one of the leading cosmetic dentistry experts in the GTA. We know you will love your new smile.
Tooth loss is an extremely common dental problem for Canadians, especially older individuals. Unfortunately, this loss can lead to many other problems, including difficulty speaking and eating as well as low self-esteem.
A dental bridge is a versatile, visually impressive, and cost-effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Our guide to dental bridges will tell you everything you need to know, including whether you might benefit from getting one.
Dental bridges are dental prostheses that are used to disguise missing teeth in a person’s mouth.
Dental bridges look like small rows of false teeth. They may be made from porcelain, ceramic fused to metal, or other materials. The teeth on each end of the row are hollow and resemble dental crowns. These false teeth are called retainers and are fitted over your natural teeth to keep the bridge in place. The teeth they are fitted to are called abutment teeth.
The teeth in between the retainers are solid and do not connect to the teeth or gums below them. These teeth are called pontics. Depending on your needs, there may be just one false tooth on your bridge’s pontic or many.
A permanent dental bridge is almost indistinguishable from the teeth around it. It should fit into your natural alignment and look just like the teeth it has covered and replaced, matching their colour, shape, and other attributes.
Most people will never know that a bridge is not a real row of teeth unless you tell them. You can smile with confidence and trust your bridge to help you make a winning first impression.
Dental bridges are never necessary, but they can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Using them to replace lost teeth allows you to speak and chew the way you did before those teeth were missing. They may also boost your self-confidence and help you feel at ease when smiling and laughing.
Bridges are particularly recommended for people who are not good candidates for implants due to gum disease, bone loss, and other problems. A bridge helps these people regain some lost aesthetics and function without compromising their dental or overall health.
Your dentist may also recommend a bridge if you have teeth on either side of your missing tooth that would benefit from being crowned. By choosing a bridge, you can protect those weaker teeth while also replacing the missing one.
When looking to get a bridge, there are four main types.
Getting a dental bridge often involves two steps.
The procedure for implant-supported bridges is a bit different. Instead of getting your teeth prepared for placement, you will need to undergo implant placement surgery. Once your new implants have healed, your bridge can be attached to the screws. This process usually takes a few months from start to finish.
You can avoid dental bridge problems by:
Dental bridges and implants are both possible options for replacing a missing tooth. Which is better? This depends on your needs.
Dental bridge costs vary depending on your dentist, the materials used, and the type of bridge you select. Maryland bridges are typically the most affordable, while implant-supported bridges are the most expensive. Ask your dentist about the different dental bridges and how much each option might cost you. They will be happy to help you fit the cost of this treatment into your budget.
If you are interested in replacing one or more missing teeth, Trillium Smile Dentistry can help. Let our experienced team install a beautiful new dental bridge or implants that will restore your dental functions and your confidence. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or online to request your first appointment and get the process started.