California Cosmetic Blog

Information and Resources - This blog offers information on cosmetic surgery procedures in California as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Getting Dental Veneers in Beverly Hills

Dental veneers are fast becoming one of the most popular procedures within the field of cosmetic dentistry. But as with any other dental or medical procedure, there are certain things you need to know before making a final decision about getting dental veneers from a Beverly Hills dentist.

Let's start off with a quick explanation of what dental veneers are and how they are applied. The word "veneer" usually refers to a covering of some sort. That's the case here as well. As the video below will demonstrate, a dental veneer is a special covering designed for dental use. They are very thin and made of a tooth-like material (porcelain or composite resin) that looks and feels natural.

A Video Overview of Veneers


I've scoured YouTube for a video that was more education than marketing. There were quite a few Beverly Hills cosmetic dentists with videos online, but their videos were a bit too "salesy" for this blog. This video below does a good job of explaining dental veneers and how they work.



Here are some other important things you should know about Beverly Hills dental veneer procedures:

The Process is Irreversible


As part of the application process, the cosmetic dentist will trim the tooth (or teeth) that will be covered by the veneer(s). He or she will also "rough up" the enamel surface so that it forms a stronger bond with the cement-like epoxy material.

While this is necessary to ensure a proper and long-lasting fit, it also means that the process is irreversible. The surface of your teeth will essentially be damaged to allow for the placement of veneers. So once you get them, you will always need them. Something to consider!

Porcelain vs. Composite Resin


You have a couple of options when getting dental veneers in the Beverly Hills area. They can either be made of porcelain or a composite resin material. Here are the basic pros and cons of each type.

Many people choose the porcelain veneers because they last longer (before having to be replaced), and also have the advantage of being stain-resistant. As you would expect, the porcelain type cost more as well. Composite resin veneers cost less, can be applied in a single visit, and can be more easily repaired in the event of breakage.

As you can see, both types have their advantages and disadvantages. So before you make a final decision in the matter, you should learn everything you can about these options. Ask your dentist which type he or she recommends, and why.

Dental Veneers Must be Replaced Periodically


It's important to realize that your Beverly Hills dental veneers will not last forever. They can chip and wear down over time, so they must be replaced. And remember the first point we discussed above -- once you get them, you will always need them. So you will have to replace them as needed.

How often you must do this depends on several factors, so it's hard to be exact. But it's safe to say that (A) the porcelain type tends to last longer and (B) you can expect to have them replaced every few years, regardless of which kind you get.

Not for Everyone in Beverly Hills


In a perfect world, everyone would have the opportunity to improve his or her smile with dental veneers. Unfortunately, that is not the case. This procedure is not recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth, or people with periodontal disease or some other kind of tooth problems.

And Now Some Good News About Veneers


Up to this point, I've focused mostly on the negative side of this procedure. But to be fair I must say that it does have some advantages as well. In most cases, dental veneers look very natural. They are a good "middle ground" strategy for improving your smile -- not as expensive (or as strong) as crowns, but stronger than bonding alone.

This article provides a basic overview of Beverly Hills dental veneers as an option for improving your smile. But if you are seriously considering this type of procedure, you have some more homework to do. Read more about the pros and cons of porcelain versus composite, the types of scenarios where veneers cannot be used, and the long-term considerations.

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