General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments, but it includes using dental cosmetics like veneers to restore or enhance the appearance of teeth. A veneer is a tooth-shaped restoration that is cemented to the front part of a tooth. It covers up any imperfections, damages, or deformities on that part of the tooth. Veneers started out as a way to make the smiles of Hollywood actors look more attractive on screen, and it took off in popularity from there.
Veneers are typically recommended for teeth at the front of the mouth, and they can completely transform the way that your smile looks. Problems that general dentistry can address with veneers include:
Getting teeth restored with veneers involves multiple trips to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist educates the patient about the process and examines their teeth and gums. The dentist might recommend other restorations, like crowns, if the damage to the patient’s teeth affects other areas besides the front-facing sides.
Placing conventional veneers requires removing enamel from the front part of the teeth being treated. It is a permanent modification that cannot be reversed in the future. Teeth that have been prepared for veneers will always need restorations to protect them moving forward.
There are specialty veneers called “no-prep” that do not require shaving off the enamel. These veneers are thinner than standard veneers, so they are better suited for cases with mild to moderate damage to a patient’s teeth. Severe discoloration or deformities on a tooth often require conventional veneers. The patient will be given the time to choose which option they prefer, and a date will be set for the first part of the treatment.
The first part of the process of placing veneers starts with the dentist cleaning and preparing the patient’s teeth. A shot of a local anesthetic will be administered so the person will not feel pain as the dentist trims the enamel on their teeth.
Once all of the teeth being treated have been prepped, an impression of them is made by using digital images to create a 3D model. Alternatively, the dentist might take an impression of the patient’s teeth by having them bite down on a mold. The mold is sent to a dental lab where restorations like veneers are made. It takes a couple of weeks for the finished restorations to get back to the dentist. The patient gets temporary veneers for their prepped teeth to protect them while they wait for their custom veneers.
The temporary veneers are taken off during the second appointment, and customized veneers are cemented into place. Alterations are made as needed to ensure that everything looks right.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Skokie, IL
Anyone can now craft their desired smile with veneers. Call or stop by our Skokie clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment or call Leading Edge Dental Center at 847-796-8731 for an appointment in our Skokie office.
The primary focus of general dentistry is to help patients prevent oral health concerns from ever developing through regular cleaning visits and effective at-home oral hygiene. This article provides insights into how you can protect your teeth and gums through good oral hygiene practices at home between routine dental visits.General dentistry visits are encouraged two…
General dentistry practitioners know that loose teeth in youngsters are common and cause little worry since the problem is with the "baby teeth." If you have a loose tooth or one of your children has a loose adult tooth, you may need to visit the general dentistry office to save it. Continue reading to discover…
There are many reasons to go to a general dentistry office. Caring for your teeth and gums is critical to your oral health and overall well-being. Along with seeing the dentist regularly, you need to brush and floss each day and maintain a well-balanced diet. As it is with other aspects of your health, smoking…