By age 17, about 7% of people in the US have lost at least one permanent tooth due to decay. About 69% of patients ages 35- to 44-years-old have lost at least one permanent tooth.
Meanwhile, about 26% of patients ages 65 to 74 have lost all of their teeth.
Whether you’ve lost one tooth or many, consider talking to your dentist about the benefits of veneers. The dental veneer procedure could restore the appearance of your smile. It might help you avoid dental health issues down the road, too.
Not sure if dental veneers are right for you? Here are 10 questions about veneers to ask your dentist first.
Asking these questions can help you determine if veneers are ideal for your distinct needs. You can consult your dentist to find your ideal treatment option.
Meanwhile, you can feel more informed before scheduling your dental veneer procedure, which could help you avoid dental anxiety.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the dental veneer procedure today.
1. How Long Does It Take?
It helps to learn a little more about the dental veneer procedure as a whole. As you make a list of questions about veneers to ask your dentist, consider the procedure’s duration. Ask your dentist how long the entire procedure will take.
Usually, you’ll schedule your dental veneer procedure over the span of two or three different appointments. The duration can vary based on your dentist’s procedure plans, though.
Asking about the procedure’s overall duration can help you plan accordingly.
Usually, you’ll start by scheduling a consultation appointment. Your dentist will gather the necessary records before your procedure. They’ll also need to take measurements and assess your facial structure.
During your consultation appointment, your dentist will determine if you’re an ideal dental veneer candidate. They’ll plan your veneers to ensure the proper fit and appearance, too.
Your second appointment will take a little longer. This appointment will help you and the dentist prepare before the procedure.
Usually, the second appointment is completed two weeks after your initial consultation appointment.
During the second appointment, your dentist might need to reduce your teeth. The reduction process will ensure your veneers fit properly. Then, the veneers are created in a dental lab.
The lab will customize the color, fit, and appearance of your veneers to meet your expectations and goals.
Two or three weeks later, you’ll schedule your final appointment to fit the veneers in place. The cementation appointment ensures the veneers adhere to your teeth. Your dentist will bond the porcelain to your tooth structure to ensure a proper fit.
2. Am I an Ideal Candidate?
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist to ensure you’re an ideal dental veneer candidate. While dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment option, they’re not meant for everyone.
Usually, ideal candidates include patients who have:
- Good oral health and overall hygiene
- A lot of spacing between their teeth
- Minor cosmetic issues (teeth that are misshapen, cracked, chipped, etc.)
- Teeth that are severely discolored or stained
- Not found tooth whitening treatments effective
- Plenty of tooth enamel in place
Your dentist can help you determine if dental veneers will address your needs and goals.
3. Will It Hurt?
Most patients experience only a small amount of pain or discomfort during their dental veneer procedure. The treatment is minimally invasive. You’ll likely only experience discomfort when a small layer of your enamel is removed.
4. How Can I Keep Them Clean?
Make sure to have a plan in place to ensure your veneers remain bright and clean. Your dentist can offer tips. For example, they might recommend you switch to a whitening toothpaste.
Make sure to brush and floss twice a day. Otherwise, consider avoiding foods and beverages that could stain your veneers. These include coffee and soda.
Smoking or using tobacco products might impact the appearance of your veneers, too.
Schedule routine dental cleanings at your dentist’s office to ensure your veneers always look their best.
5. What Can I Eat?
Make sure to talk to your dentist about eating with veneers in place. For the most part, you can eat as you normally would. However, it’s important to make sure to cut your food properly instead of biting hard foods outright.
You might want to consider avoiding certain foods, including:
- Meats that are difficult to chew
- Sticky foods like caramel
- Hard foods like uncooked vegetables and fruits
- Hard candies
Talk to your dentist about foods that might damage your veneers.
6. How Long Will They Last?
Your veneers could last anywhere between 10 and 20 years with proper care.
It’s important to note that the procedure is irreversible since your dentist will shave down part of your enamel. If your veneers experience wear, you might require new ones.
7. What Are the Downsides?
Talk to your dentists about the downsides and benefits of veneers.
About 82.8% of patients are satisfied with the results of their dental veneer procedure. However, it’s not recommended for patients with gum disease. You can’t fix veneers if they crack or chip, either.
Instead, you’ll need to replace a damaged veneer entirely.
8. Are There Alternative Treatments?
As you make a list of questions about veneers to ask your dentist, make sure to consider alternative treatment options, too.
If you’re not an ideal dental veneer candidate, your dentist might recommend different cosmetic solutions instead. Your dentist can develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
9. Can I See Before/After Photos?
Ask if you can review before and after photos of patients who have requested veneers in the past. Reviewing these photos can help you manage your expectations. You can make sure veneers will accomplish your treatment goals.
10. How Much Will It Cost?
Ask your dentist if your dental insurance will pay for a portion of your treatment. Otherwise, ask about pricing. If you can’t afford veneers, your dentist might recommend another form of treatment.
Dental Veneer FAQs: 10 Questions About Veneers to Ask Before Treatment
Is the dental veneer procedure ideal for your needs and goals? Ask these questions about veneers before making your final choice. Discussing the procedure with your dentist can help you make a more informed decision.
With their help, you can develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Ready to schedule your consultation appointment? We’re here to help.
Schedule your Slone Dental virtual consultation with our team today.
