Do you wish you had whiter teeth, or would you like to mask or repair minor chips and damage? Dental veneers are a way to quickly improve your smile and restore self-confidence for those who have misaligned, cracked, or stained teeth. If you want to know more, consider the answers to some common queries below.

Dental Veneer FAQ

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or a resin composite material that are made to cover chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth. A dentist will customize the shape and shade of the veneer to fit over damaged areas and match existing healthy teeth. They will appear seamless and won’t be evident like dentures or braces.

Who should get dental veneers?

Those who have extreme staining from tobacco or illness are good candidates for veneers, as cosmetic teeth whitening may not be sufficient to improve tooth color. Healthy teeth and gums are necessary to have veneers affixed. Those who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping may want to obtain a mouthguard before veneers are placed to avoid cracking them.

How are they applied?

It usually takes two appointments to apply porcelain veneers. In the first visit, the dentist will remove some enamel from the teeth so that the veneers will lie flat and look and feel natural. Then a mold will be created of the teeth to be covered. The dentist will select the appropriate shade and send the impression to a lab where the customized veneers will be made. In the next appointment, they will be applied. Resin veneers require no mold, as the composite material is bonded directly to prepared teeth, usually in one visit. The procedure may require only local, or no, anesthetic.

How do you take care of veneers?

Once veneers are applied, they become like regular teeth, and you should brush and floss regularly. Cavities and decay can still form around veneers. Avoid biting nails and chewing items like ice, sticky candy, or popcorn, as veneers can break or crack. Let your dentist know immediately if they are uncomfortable or get damaged.

Dental veneers are an excellent option for those who want to correct stained, broken, or crooked teeth with minimally invasive procedures. Dental Clinic of Onalaska serves the Onalaska and Trempealeau, WI areas with complete preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for the entire family. Professional staff and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere create a dental experience that is both beneficial and enjoyable. Call 608-783-3341 for an appointment or visit their website to see a full range of services.