Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a very popular cosmetic dentistry procedure at Honest Teeth. Veneers allow you to cover up misshapen, stained, or crooked teeth, providing you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile!
Interested in porcelain veneers in Elm Grove? Learn about the basics of veneers from Honest Teeth, and see if they’re right for you.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin shells that are usually built out of porcelain or another high-quality ceramic composite. They are designed to fit perfectly over your existing teeth, and cover up imperfections such as gaps, stains, crooked teeth, and more. They are permanently bonded into place with adhesive cement, providing you with a beautiful, long-lasting smile
The Benefits Of Veneers
Veneers from Honest Teeth have numerous benefits. Here are just a few of them:
Indistinguishable from natural teeth – This is the best thing about veneers. They’re manufactured to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, and provide you with a gorgeous, all-natural smile.
Can strengthen your existing teeth – Porcelain veneers bond with weak teeth, and provide additional support and structure that helps prevent chipping or cracking.
Do not require special care – Just brush and floss normally, and visit Honest Teeth for an oral hygiene appointment every 6 months. That’s it!
Resist staining and yellowing – High-quality veneers are very stain resistant. However, care should be taken to maintain good oral habits, because the natural teeth that surround your veneers may still be vulnerable to staining.
The Veneer Placement Process
The process of veneer placement is quite simple. First, Dr. Max Meinerz will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if you are eligible for veneers. If not, another treatment such as dental bonding or a crown may be more appropriate.
If veneers are right for you, Dr. Meinerz will begin by removing a tiny layer of enamel from each tooth that will be treated. This is done to ensure that the veneers bond tightly to the teeth, and blend seamlessly with existing tooth material.
After this, Dr. Meinerz will use advanced casting and imaging techniques to create molds of your teeth. These are sent to an external lab, where your veneers will be manufactured. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks. You will be fitted with temporary veneers while you wait for your custom veneers to be finished.
When Dr. Meinerz receives your veneers, you will come back for your second appointment. He’ll check your veneers for size, color, and fit, ensuring they are absolutely perfect. After a thorough teeth cleaning, your veneers will be bonded permanently into place with a dental adhesive.
And that’s it! Treatment is minimally-invasive, and often takes just 2 appointments. Getting a perfect smile is just that easy.
Aftercare For Veneers
You do not need to take any special steps to protect your veneers immediately after they’re attached to your teeth. The process is totally non-invasive, and your veneers will form a tight bond with your teeth right away. You can get back to your day-to-day routine and normal diet as soon as your appointment with Dr. Meinerz or Dr. Krueger is over.
To care for your veneers, simply make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes, and floss once a day. You should also come to Honest Teeth for regular six-month cleanings and oral exams, so that Dr. Krueger or Dr. Meinerz can check on your veneers and your oral health.
Beyond this, it’s a good idea to avoid chewing hard foods like nuts or popcorn with your veneers. Chew these foods with your molars instead, as this will help prevent wear and tear to your veneers.
Also, avoid chewing anything that is not food. This includes objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails. You should also never use your teeth as tools to help rip tape or open packages. Both of these habits can cause damage to your new smile.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Yes. This is because veneers require the trimming of a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. This enamel must be removed to make sure the veneers do not negatively affect your bite. Exposing fresh enamel also helps ensure that the veneer shells can bond tightly to the surface of your teeth.
However, this process cannot be reversed. If you were to have your veneers removed, your underlying teeth would be weak and would have a higher risk of decay and damage.
For this reason, veneers are considered to be a permanent treatment. If one of your veneers fails, breaks, or wears out, you will need to have it replaced. Otherwise, you could expose yourself to a higher risk of oral health complications.
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of a permanent, irreversible treatment, an alternative like dental bonding may be a better option. Bonding can be used to treat many of the same cosmetic problems as veneers, but does not involve the permanent removal of any enamel.
This is definitely something you should discuss with Dr. Meinerz or Dr. Krueger when deciding what cosmetic dentistry option is right for you. Contact us now for a consultation.
Do I Need Veneers On All Of My Teeth?
Veneers are usually only used on your front (anterior) teeth, and can be applied to both the upper and lower teeth, depending on your case. They are not suitable for restoring rear (posterior teeth) such as molars and premolars.
The precise number of veneers you will need depends on your specific case. For example, if you’re happy with how your smile looks but you have a chip in just one front tooth, you may need only one veneer.
In contrast, if you have large spaces between all of your front teeth, or misshapen bottom teeth, you may need 4 or more veneers to be placed on your teeth. Dr. Meinerz and Dr. Krueger will provide you with a customized recommendation after your cosmetic consultation at Honest Teeth.
Not Sure If Veneers Are Right For You? Find Out At Honest Teeth!
Dr. Max Meinerz of Honest Teeth is an experienced cosmetic dentist with years of experience placing veneers. A quick consultation can tell him if you’re a good candidate for veneers.
Get the smile of your dreams today! Contact Honest Teeth for an appointment at (262) 784-7770, or visit our Elm Grove office at 15255 Watertown Plank Road Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122.
