Dental Veneers Las Vegas
Las Vegas dental veneers are ultra-thin “shells” that cover the teeth in order to create a straight, white smile. Veneers are strictly cosmetic and are not used to correct dental problems, though they may help correct slight irregularities in a patient’s bite. They are a permanent fix to stained, chipped or otherwise undesirable looking teeth.
Dental veneers are usually made of porcelain, but they can also be made of resin. Porcelain is more stain-resistant but resin requires less tooth surface removal before application. It is important when choosing a Las Vegas dentist for veneers, that you choose a professional who is skilled in the technical as well as the artistic aspect of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Kevin Khorshid of ABC Dental Care takes great care when creating veneers for his patients who want a straighter, whiter smile.
Why Choose Veneers?
Not everyone is a candidate for veneers but patients who have healthy teeth and who have a solid history of good oral hygiene can use veneers to correct a variety of issues including:
- Discolored teeth.
- Chipped or broken teeth.
- Irregularly shaped teeth.
- Gaps in the teeth.
- Teeth that are worn down.
- Teeth that are overly sensitive.
The Process Of Getting Veneers
Getting veneers will require at least two, but usually three trips to the dentist. The first appointment will be a consultation with Dr. Khorshid. During this consultation, he will listen to your reasons for wanting veneers, your goals for treatment and any concerns you have. He will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers and if you are, he will explain the process of creating and applying the veneers. If you decide to move forward, he may take x-rays to prepare for your next visit.
On the second visit, the doctor will prepare the surface of your teeth for veneers. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel. Usually, less than a millimeter of the tooth is removed, and this is the same thickness of the veneer. This process usually does not require any numbing or anesthetic.
Next, impressions will be taken of your entire mouth and bite impressions will be taken so that your veneers can be created in a dental lab. If you’d like, temporary veneers can be applied using an acrylic material to cover your teeth until your permanent veneers are ready. Before you leave, you will work with Dr. Khorshid to choose the shade for your new smile.
Once your veneers are ready to go, you’ll come back into the office. Dr. K will place the veneers over the teeth to verify the shade and make sure the fit is perfect. Your teeth will then be cleaned and etched (prepared for the bonding) and the veneers will be cemented to the teeth.
To bond the veneer, the dentist will apply dental cement and the veneer will be placed on the tooth. He will use a special light to cure the cement and permanently bond the veneer to the tooth. After application, any excess cement will be removed from the teeth and he will check the fit and will also check your bite to ensure no further adjustments are necessary.
Caring For Veneers
Veneers don’t last forever, but with proper care and oral hygiene, they can last up to ten years. Patients should continue to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months. Patients may wish to take extra care when eating or drinking to avoid stain-causing foods. Veneers are stain-resistant, but it’s a good idea to avoid things like red wine and coffee.
