A Veneer Could Be The Best Treatment For Your Discolored Tooth
When your tooth is discolored due to an injury such as a fall, traditional whitening treatments won't help. Fortunately, there are other options to try. For instance, getting a porcelain veneer could be the best way to restore your tooth to a whiter color that matches your other teeth. Here's what you need to know.
A Veneer Covers Your Tooth
A veneer works well because it covers your original tooth, so the discoloration is hidden from view. Your dentist will carefully match the color of the veneer with your other teeth, so it blends right in. If you want to whiten your other teeth, you should do so first, because tooth whitening procedures won't change the color of your veneer. If you whiten your teeth later, then your veneer might not match your other teeth.
Part Of Your Enamel Is Removed
In order for the veneer to fit just right, part of your tooth enamel must be removed. This makes the procedure a permanent one. You won't be able to pop off the veneer later if you don't like it for some reason. After a small layer of enamel is removed, the dentist applies a bonding material between your tooth and the veneer that holds it securely in place. One the bond has cured, the veneer functions just like your own enamel. You'll be able to eat and chew as normal, although you should be careful about crunching on ice and other hard things, because porcelain can chip, just like a regular tooth can.
Porcelain Looks Like Normal Enamel
Porcelain is a good material to use in veneers because it looks so much like regular tooth enamel. It has luster and shine. You'll need to have regular dental cleanings, so the hygienist can polish the porcelain to maintain its appearance. Since your dentist will match the colors so well and customize the veneer for the shape of your teeth, it will not be noticeable at all. It will look just like a normal, healthy tooth.
Veneers Are Applied In Stages
Whether you get one veneer or several, the whole process takes a few office visits to complete. Enamel is removed on the first visit, and a mold is made for your permanent veneer, which has to be made in a dental lab. When your veneer is ready, you return to your dentist to have it applied. You may be given a temporary veneer to wear until then, since your tooth may be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures with part of the enamel removed. Finally, you'll need to make a follow-up visit with your dentist to make sure your veneer isn't causing any problems.
A veneer is often the ideal way to improve the color or shape of a single injured tooth. However, you can get as many porcelain veneers as you need to improve the appearance of your smile.
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