Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of wafer-thin, tooth-colored ceramic material that a dentist bonds to the front surface of a patient's teeth to improve their appearance.
Dental veneers are a thin tooth covering that is usually made from ceramic or porcelain. They are custom made to fit over your existing teeth. They only cover the front of a tooth that is cosmetically unappealing.
Reasons to get dental veneers:
• Spaces between teeth
• Broken Teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Stained fillings
• Stained teeth
• Crooked or uneven teeth
Length of the procedure: 3 dental office visits
Hospital Stay: Dental veneers are placed in an outpatient procedure
Recovery before traveling home: Patients seeking dental veneers through medical tourism can return home in one week in most cases.
Travel Tip: This procedure requires more than one procedure. It is best to plan a two week vacation so you can accommodate all three visits to the dentist. Choose a destination of interest to you so you can sight see and relax in between the dental visits.
Procedure Details
On your first visit to the dentist they discuss your desired outcome and create a smile design using specialized software. They will prepare your teeth for the dental veneers by removing some of your tooth surface. This makes space for the dental veneers. They will also take an impression of your teeth to create a mold for the creation of the dental veneers.
When you return to the dentist for your second visit the dentist will check out the fit on your dental veneers. The dentist must check both the function and cosmetic appeal of the dental veneer. If the dental veneer does not fit correctly or look right the dentist may take an additional mold and you will need to schedule another appointment.
If the dental veneer fits correctly and looks right on the second visit no third visit is required. The dentist can bond the dental veneer to your tooth at this time. To do this the dentist will cleanse your teeth with a chemical solution that enhances the bonding process. Then, they will use dental cement to adhere the dental veneer to your tooth. To harden the cement a special light beam is shined on your teeth.
After the Procedure
After your dental veneers are placed your mouth and teeth may feel strange for a few weeks. This feeling should subside rather quickly. In between the first visit and the placement of your dental veneers your teeth may feel rough and strange, but this is completely normal as well. If this is bothersome you can have a temporary veneer placed.
Self care of dental veneers:
• Avoid frequent snacking
• Brush and floss regularly
• Have regular dental check ups
• Avoid eating staining foods
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste
• Do not bite on hard objects like pens, nails etc.
• Wear a mouth protector when participating in contact sports
Results
Most people are quite pleased with their decision to get dental veneers. However, it is important to note that dental veneers are not permanent; they must be replaced every 5 to 10 years. That said, with good care they may last longer, some patients report having their dental veneers last 10 to 15 years.