If you've tried bleaching your teeth and are disappointed with the results, you may want to consider getting veneers. A veneer is a thin resin or porcelain shell that fits over your natural tooth. You can get one tooth treated or several depending on the nature of your stains. You choose the shade of the veneers you get, so you are able to finally have the white teeth you've been trying to achieve. Here's how the procedure works.

Veneers Are Put On In Stages

It will take a few weeks to go through the process of getting your veneers put on whether you just have one or many teeth to cover. That's because the veneers have to be custom made in a dental lab. On your first visit, your dentist makes an impression of your teeth and sends it off to the lab. In a couple of weeks, you'll return to have the work completed.

The Process Of Getting Veneers

When your veneers are ready to put on, your dentist will file away some of the enamel on your teeth. That's necessary so the veneers will slip into place and be even with your other teeth. Only a very fine layer of enamel is removed, so you may not even need to have an anesthetic shot. However, if you are squeamish about dental work, you may prefer to numb the area first.

When your teeth are ready, your dentist attaches the veneers using dental cement. He or she may need to remove and file them down a few times before the fit is perfect. When they are perfectly aligned, the dentist shines a light on the veneers to help the cement harden quickly.

Picking The Color For Your Veneers

It's important to know you won't be able to change the color of your veneers once they're in place. Whitening gels do not work on resin or porcelain. Therefore, you want to choose a shade of white that works best for you. You don't want super white veneers if the rest of your teeth are a much duller color. If you're having all your front teeth covered, it won't matter as much. If you're only covering a few badly stained teeth, try to whiten your other teeth as much as possible first, so you can pick out the whitest shade that matches.

Caring For Your Veneers

Although the veneers are made of an artificial material, you still have your natural teeth underneath them. It's possible to develop problems with gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and even decay if you don't practice good oral hygiene. Care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth by brushing and flossing daily. Also, continue to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check ups.

Veneers are great for whitening teeth when gels and laser treatments don't work. They have an additional benefit of changing the shape of your teeth too if you need it. The shell can cover chips, make a tooth longer, and cover a slightly turned tooth, so all your teeth are even and in alignment. A veneer is not a good choice if your teeth are in bad shape from decay. Instead, veneers are a cosmetic enhancement that gives you a more attractive smile. Contact a professional like Aaron G Birch, DDS PC for more information.