If you’re looking for a more uniform and stunning smile, dental veneers and laminates are an excellent option.
Offered by the expert dental team here at Orange Premier Dental, dental veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that affix to the front surface of the teeth to enhance the size, shape, and shade of the tooth.
Dental laminates, meanwhile, serve the same purpose as veneers, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. A common dental restoration solution, dental veneers and laminates are an effective, non-invasive way to restore or enhance your natural smile.
Laminates and veneers are very similar. Laminates, however, are thinner than veneers and are generally easier to place in the mouth since they require less enamel to be removed from the teeth before placement.
Here are a few of the problems dental laminates and veneers address:
Dental decay. While veneers and laminates won’t prevent all dental decay or reduce the requirement for good oral hygiene, the presence of dental laminates and veneers protects the front surface of the tooth, preventing further discoloration.
Additional dental damage. People sometimes avoid seeking dental treatment and choose to just live with damaged or crooked teeth. Unfortunately, this only increases the chance of pain or infection. A chipped tooth makes it more likely that the tooth will break during eating or drinking. Seeking dental veneers or laminates, however, protects the surface of the tooth and prevents further damage.
Uneven or discolored teeth. Dental veneers and laminates are excellent solutions for chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. Made from a thin porcelain shell, dental veneers blend with the surrounding teeth to create a uniform appearance in the mouth.
Low self-esteem. It can be hard to feel confident if you’re constantly hiding your smile. Fortunately, veneers or laminates can restore your beautiful smile and help you feel confident once more.
When you visit Orange Premier Dental for dental veneers or laminates, the first step is for our Orange, CA, staff to take impressions of your teeth. This process allows the lab to build your custom veneers. The veneers we design for you will match the shape, color, and size of your teeth, generally taking around a week to create..
As we wait for your permanent veneers to be finished, we will prepare your teeth for veneer placement by removing a thin layer of the enamel on the front of your tooth. This helps the veneer lay flat and keeps it in line with the gum tissue.
Once we’ve prepared the tooth, we will secure a temporary veneer with removable glue. While you wear your temporary veneers, it is important to brush your teeth gently and avoid eating any foods that may move them around. Since these veneers are secured by removable glue and meant to be temporary, they are unstable and can be pushed out of place pretty easily.
Once your permanent veneers are ready for you, we will have you return to our Orange Premier Dental office for your follow-up appointment. During this appointment, we will remove the temporary veneer and make sure that the new veneer fits perfectly.
Your veneers will be attached with a water-based solution first to make sure they look right before we secure them permanently. Once we have the veneer in place, it will be bonded to the tooth. The best part is that your results will be instant, so you can start flashing your new smile the same day!
Most patients report that their teeth are sore and sensitive for a few days after the procedure. Taking pain medication during this time can help you stay comfortable. It’s also important to get plenty of rest and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling. We recommend that patients chew carefully and eat soft foods for a few days to avoid increased soreness.
Do I need to get my teeth shaved for veneers?
No! In cases where teeth are small and deficient in size and the veneers are used to add size to the teeth, little to no tooth preparation is required. This varies from case to case. During your consultation appointment your dentist will discuss what tooth preparation is required to achieve the results you desire.
How many veneers do I need?
It depends on the width of your smile and the number of teeth you want to improve the shape and color of. A smile makeover typically includes six veneers on the top front teeth. Sometimes, it only takes a few teeth in the front being fixed to lead to a drastic improvement of the smile.
How long does the veneers process take?
The veneers process usually takes two visits to complete. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken to send to the lab for veneers creation. During the second visit, the custom-made veneers are installed, and you will leave our office with a beautiful smile.
What color will my veneers be?
You pick the color and shade that you want for your veneers. We offer a range of options to choose from, whether you want them to match your natural teeth or be super white to show off your new smile.
How long does the whitening visit take?
The whitening visit usually takes an hour to an hour and half total.
Are veneers my only option to improve my smile?
There are different options to improve one’s smile. Sometimes tooth bonding or clear aligner therapy along with teeth whitening can be great options to improve your smile. During your consultation appointment, your dentist will go over all your options to achieve a better smile.
What are composite veneers?
Composite veneers are veneers made using white composite filling material. While less expensive, they last much less time than other veneers, with an average lifespan of just 3 years. Composite veneers are also more likely to stain over time. Furthermore, the material is just not as durable as other options.
Overhauling your smile doesn’t have to be difficult or invasive. Here at Orange Premier Dental, we provide restorative dental services for families and individuals in and around Orange, CA.
