10 Things to Ask Your Dentist Before Getting Veneers

Veneers are often the perfect cosmetic treatment option to enhance the appeal of your smile. However, as with any dental procedure, gaining as much information as possible before the treatment is the best way to ensure the ideal result.

To help you explore the benefits of veneers, our cosmetic dentistry experts in Mississauga would like to offer a quick guide. Let’s review the 10 things to ask your dentist before getting veneers.

1. What is your experience with veneers?

The experience of the dentist will be crucial to the results you achieve when having veneers placed. Only those with many years of experience can ensure that the treatment is effective and your veneers offer lasting appeal after the placement.

Experience gives a dentist an understanding of the mouth structure and specific issues they may only discover during the treatment. It will ensure they can respond adeptly to any minor issues and provide treatment specifically for you and your oral health requirements.

2. Are veneers the right choice for me?

For each patient, there is a specific dental treatment suited to their long-term health needs and goals. For some, veneers might not be the right choice. For example, if you have cracks in your teeth or suffer from cavities regularly, then veneers might not be the best treatment option. The supporting structure of the gums and teeth must offer the right environment for effective veneer placement.

3. What are your goals with the procedure?

When discussing the possibility of having veneers placed, ask your Mississauga cosmetic dentistry expert what they expect in terms of results. Assessing the projected results helps ensure that you’re both on the same page in terms of expectations. Discussing treatment results will also provide you with more information on how veneers might help you in the future.

4. What is the total cost for the procedure?

Going into your treatment with all available information about the total cost of the veneers is the best way to guard against pricing shock. Ask the dentist for a complete quote for the veneer work. When discussing pricing, you might also ask if they offer financing plans so that you can pay for the procedure over several months. You can then avoid some of the financial hardship that can be associated with costly dental procedures.

5. What does the dental procedure involve?

Here’s where we start to look into the complexity of the veneer procedure. Asking about the treatment will allow you to review each of the phases of the placement process. Familiarize yourself with terms that dental health professionals use during treatment. Generally, there are three treatment phases:

• • X-Rays and Examinations

First, your dentist will complete comprehensive examinations of your teeth. The dentist will look to ensure the supporting structure is in place and ready for a successful veneer placement. They will then take X-rays to examine for specific bone health issues that might impact treatment success. During this time, they will explain more about the placement process and allow you to become comfortable with the procedure and the steps involved.

• • Preparation

Then, the dentist will prepare the tooth for placement of the veneer. They will shave the tooth enamel to compensate for the change in thickness. They will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to the lab to create an accurate veneer sizing.

• • Attachment

After about two weeks, the lab will deliver the veneer to the dental office, and the dentist will book your attachment treatment. They first verify the veneer is the right colour and fit. Then, they carefully prepare each tooth and safely attach the veneer to the treatment area. Finally, the dentist will use a special light to activate the cement and secure the bond.

6. Is the work guaranteed?

Ensure that you get a guarantee. While the dentist may not be able to guard against every eventuality, they can offer to provide a free placement if your veneer breaks after a certain period. Ensure that you receive all guarantees in writing. Fulfilling the policy might require you to alert your dentist immediately if you experience any oral health issues after treatment. So, make sure you understand your role in fulfilling the service guarantee obligations.

7. Do I require pre-treatment before having veneers placed?

Many dentists will require that you resolve cavities and other oral health issues many weeks before they complete the veneer service. Preemptive treatment helps to ensure the successful placement of veneers and supports a better result for the years ahead. Ask the dentist what they recommend in terms of pre-treatment oral care.

8. Do veneers require follow-up visits?

Many dentists require a follow-up appointment in the weeks after the placement to ensure that the treatment was successful. Ask your dentist specifically about their follow-up process.

During this time, you might also ask the dentist about the maintenance of your new veneers. They will likely advise you to avoid stain-causing products and call them immediately if you experience any pain beyond a day or two after the treatment.

9. What are your sedation options?

Many patients have needle-related anxiety. It’s a perfectly natural feeling even though dentists are highly trained and skilled. Before your veneer treatment, discuss the treatment anxiety you have with your dentist, and ask them about local and general sedation options. They should provide you with clear information on each form of sedation and its value during the procedure.

10. What can I expect in terms of recovery?

Most patients can resume their regular schedule within 24 hours of having veneer treatment at their local dentist. Your specialist can go through the recovery process with you. They will ask you to avoid crunchy foods for two weeks after the procedure, and to use a drinking straw for a few days to minimize tooth sensitivity. Your dentist might also recommend that you avoid hot and cold drinks for the week after treatment.

Taking the time to consider your veneer-related questions will help you prepare for when your treatment day arrives. To book a consultation with a cosmetic dentistry specialist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental today at 905-712-3409.