Questions About Dental Veneers
If you are embarrassed about your smile and are tired of hiding your teeth in social situations, River Bluff Dental has a solution for you. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Walter Palmer has extensive training and experience in placing Porcelain veneers to correct a host of dental problems.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to existing teeth to cover dental problems. The shells have a natural tooth-colored appearance that is custom created in a dental laboratory to the patient’s desired shape, size and whiteness.
Can dental veneers fix gaps in my teeth?
Yes. Dental veneers can close the space between teeth much quicker than undergoing years of orthodontic treatment. In fact, the entire dental veneer process can be completed in one to three office visits, depending on the type of veneers being done and the amount of teeth being fixed. Dental veneers can also fix teeth that are:
- Worn down or uneven
- Chipped or broken
- Discolored
- Crooked
Is it better to use tooth whitening or dental veneers to correct tetracycline stains?
Children who were given the antibiotic tetracycline when their teeth were in the formative stages may experience deep gray or brown staining in their adult teeth. Tetracycline stains do not typically respond to tooth whitening procedures. Dental veneers, when implemented by a cosmetic dentist who is experienced in covering tetracycline stains, are the best way to achieve a whiter smile. Dr. Palmer is fully experienced in handling this tricky procedure to ensure that no dark patches show through the dental veneers.
Why does tooth enamel have to be removed to place a dental veneer?
Even though dental veneers are extremely thin shells of porcelain or composite resin, the cosmetic dentist must allow for sufficient room for the shells to be placed on the teeth. By removing a small amount of tooth enamel, the shells will not stick up higher than the surrounding teeth. In addition, the teeth will be slightly etched during the process to allow for a stronger bond with the permanent veneers.
Does the dental veneer process hurt?
The dental veneer process does not typically cause patients pain. During the tooth preparation stage, patients may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and there may be some tooth sensitivity in the days following the procedure.
Are dental veneers the only option for correcting dental problems like chipped or cracked teeth?
At River Bluff Dental, our patients always have options when it comes to dental procedures. Dr. Palmer may recommend dental crowns instead of dental veneers depending on the patient’s own unique situation. Dr. Palmer uses all-porcelain dental crowns, and in some cases they can be placed in a single office visit.
If you have additional questions about dental veneers, please contact dental veneer dentist Dr. Walter Palmer at River Bluff Dental in Minneapolis, Minnesota today for a consultation.
