If you fail to keep your New Year's Day resolution every year because you lack the willpower to make it work, choose a resolution that doesn't leave you stressed out or feeling bad about yourself. You can make a profound change in your life with cosmetic veneers. Veneers can help you create the image you want this year without placing stress in your life. In addition, seeing your new image may give you the power to make new goals and keep them. Here's how you empower your life with cosmetic veneers

Why Choose Veneer Placement as Your New Year's Day Resolution?

Cosmetic veneers are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the United States because of what they can do for your teeth now — and in the future. Veneers are thin shells that cover the surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth crowns. Your dentist can use composite resin or porcelain materials veneers. However, porcelain looks more like your natural teeth than composite resin because it blends in with the natural color of your teeth enamel.

Both porcelain and composite resin veneers have the potential to fix dental problems in addition to making you look good. For instance, veneers may:

  • Cover up imperfections, such as chips and cracks in your teeth crowns
  • Lengthen short, stubby front teeth
  • Whiten dull, discolored teeth enamel instantly

If you have any of the above issues, contact your cosmetic dentist right away. Untreated dental problems can potentially cause tooth decay or tooth loss. Now, that you know what veneers can do for you, it's time to get started.

How Long Does It Take to Place Veneers?

The placement of your veneers occurs in several phases, so you need to make arrangements with your work, school or home schedule to accommodate your treatment. It typically takes 2-3 days to make and place your veneers. The dentist takes x-rays of your teeth during the first phase of your treatment. X-rays tell the dentist if you have cavities to fix before the actual placement of your veneers.

If you do have tooth decay, the dentist may fix these problems with restorations like onlays and inlays. Onlays and inlays are tooth-colored fillings that match the natural enamel of your teeth. Like porcelain, onlays and inlays blend in easily with your natural teeth enamel.

After your exam and possible filling restorations, the dentist schedules a second appointment. During the second visit, the provider removes a thin layer of enamel from your teeth crowns. This step doesn't hurt, but the dentist typically applies a pain reliever cream or ointment on your gums just in case you have sensitive teeth. Your cosmetic dentist usually covers your treated teeth with temporary veneers until you come back for the final phase.

Keep in mind that you need to take special precautions with your temporary veneers. For example, you shouldn't:

  • Bite down on hard vegetables, fruits or meat products — these items can fracture or crack the vulnerable enamel of your treated teeth, or they can crack your temporary veneers
  • Chew on straws, pencils or anything else that can lift up your temporary veneers, or damage the treated teeth beneath them
  • Smoke cigarettes — tobacco smoke and nicotine can stain your teeth, as well as cause irritation and infection in the treated enamel below the temporary veneers

You may return to the office sometime later in the week to finish up your treatment. This step in the phase normally takes 20-30 minutes, but the actual time varies. Your provider may ask you to return in two weeks to check on the veneers. He or she needs to make sure that the veneers still fit properly. 

Getting your life together isn't always a simple thing. But with the right New Year's Day resolution, you can make it happen. If you want to know more about veneers, or if you want to set new cosmetic dental goals for the year, contact your cosmetic dental specialist for details. Click here for more information.

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