Veneers are one of the greatest advancements in dental technology. Their popularity is exploding across the country — and right here in Montana at BridgeCreek Dental!
FUN FACTS
Here are some interesting and insightful facts about veneers.
- According to the American Academy of Dentistry, the most common number of veneers placed at one time is 4 or more.
- The Dental Economics Journal reports that cosmetic dentistry, especially veneers, have grown 12.5 percent within the last five years.
- According to the New York Times, nearly 600,000 people got veneers in 2006.
BENEFITS OF VENEERS
Veneers are thin shells, usually made from porcelain or resin, that we apply directly to your teeth to give you the smile you desire. There are many reasons people choose veneers over other treatment options, but some of the biggest advantages are that they can help you achieve your perfect smile in the shortest amount of time possible — we are talking two office visits over a couple of weeks. That sure beats years of braces and whitening! Porcelain is also stain resistant and very durable.
BRIEF HISTORY OF VENEERS
Veneers were invented by a California dentist in 1928 for Hollywood actors. Since then they have been improved and changed over the years. Around 1959, etching with hydrofluoric acid was introduced to the veneer process and it improved the bond strength of veneers. It basically is a way of roughing up the tooth material before adhering the shell. Over the next few decades, bonding agents were improved and lessened complications like cracking, chipping, discoloration and leaking of veneers.
VENEER PROCESS
The process of receiving veneers begins with a consultation where we will determine if you are a candidate. Issues like decay, gum disease need to be cleared up beforehand, and bruxism (teeth grinding) can affect your ability to receive veneers as well.
If your smile goals are attainable, we will get to work taking impressions and x-rays to be sent to the so your customized shells can be created. We will also computerize those images to show you the final result and make any tweaks if need be.
Then we will prepare your tooth by removing a small portion of your tooth and etching the surface. At this point you might need some temporary veneers before we place your final version. Then we will place your permanent veneers. After any small adjustment are made, we will then use a special light to cure or harden the bond. It’s as easy as that!
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT
Veneers can be a bit more expensive upfront, but we do have great financing options available to clients.
If you’re interested in this service, please call us to schedule a consultation!