The appearance of your teeth can play a huge role in how you see yourself and how others perceive you. Dental issues such as crooked teeth and gaps between the teeth can be such a source of embarrassment and discontent that some people may avoid smiling at all. Luckily, fixing crooked teeth with veneers is possible and has become increasingly common. This is especially true nowadays that cosmetic dentistry has come such a long way.
Instructions
1. Find out if veneers are right for you. Veneers are thin, custom built moldings made of porcelain or resin that cover the entire surface of a tooth. They can be used to cover gaps and to mask crooked teeth to make them look aligned. If you only have a slight misalignment and your teeth are otherwise healthy and white, find out what other options are available to you. If you have major cosmetic issues, veneers may be your best bet.
2. Find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry and ask to see his work. Keep in mind that procedures such as veneers are irreversible. Ask people you know for recommendations and do your own research too. Look at before and after pictures of dental veneer procedures. This will give you a good idea of what to expect. Always keep in mind that, while veneers can provide results that generate immense satisfaction, utmost care in choosing who will perform the procedure is highly recommended.
3. Get an assessment. After you find a dentist you feel comfortable with, schedule an appointment to discuss how many teeth will be treated and how much it will cost. Many dental offices now offer financing options or, in some cases, discounts when you pay upfront. As of 2009, the average cost of porcelain veneers is between $900 and $2,500 per tooth and last between 10 and 15 years. Composite veneers are much more affordable and cost about $250 per tooth. They are also less durable, lasting about five to seven years.
4. Schedule your examination appointment. This is very important in order for the dentist to ensure there are no other issues that must be attended to before the procedure. Your dentist will also go over a shade chart with you to help you select the best color for your veneers. The whole point is to make your smile look better, but that doesn't mean artificial. Thankfully new imaging technologies allow you to get a preview of what to expect. Once the examination is complete, your dentist will put together a customized treatment plan. This is the final step before the actual procedure which can take one to several visits depending on the amount of work you need.
5. Get ready for your new smile! First, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during tooth preparation and veneer application. The tooth is then prepared by reshaping it to provide the best fit for the dental veneer. Next, an impression of your teeth will be made. This impression will be turned into a veneer either by an outside laboratory or by in-house dental lab technicians. If your veneers are fabricated outside, you may be given temporary veneers in the meantime. Once your veneers are ready, they are strategically placed to cover the entire tooth surface. Your dentist will then discuss care for your new veneers.
Tags: dentist will, your veneers, crooked teeth, your teeth, cosmetic dentistry, cover entire, dental veneer