Veneers is a common term that is thrown around quite a bit when it comes to improving the appearance of a person’s smile, but not too many people may be familiar with the product or what it entails. Veneers are used to mask discoloration in the teeth, and quite often they are used as an alternative to crowns. They mask discolorations by changing a tooth’s color, as well as its size or shape. Veneers can also be used for people who have gaps between their teeth or have teeth that are chipped. If you think you are a good candidate for veneers in Honolulu, your first step should be to schedule a consult with your dentist.
Your dentist will be able to show you an example of what a veneer actually looks like, which will give you a better idea of the process itself. A veneer is simply an ultra thin piece of ceramic, porcelain, or a type of composite resin. It is then adhered to your tooth, or teeth, by a bonding agent. Normally little to no anesthesia will be used as this is not an invasive procedure. You should expect up to three separate appointments when it comes to having veneers put on your teeth. The first appointment will be a consult with your dentist to determine if, in fact, you are a good candidate for this procedure. You will also decide on the shape and color of the veneers. The second appointment will be preparing your teeth for the veneers, and the final appointment will be the actual application of the veneers themselves. Usually the teeth have to be buffed slightly to account for the thickness of the veneer. While they are very thin, they will still add a touch of thickness to your natural tooth. Then the veneer will be bonded to your natural tooth with special chemicals that are applied to your tooth. The final step is to use a special light beam to harden the bond.
If you have chosen to get veneers in Honolulu, expect to follow up with your dentist a week or two after they have been applied to your teeth. He will check the fit and ensure everything is working out the way you want. There may be an initial period of adjustment, but the improvement in your smile is worth it in the long run.
