Are Veneers Right For You?
Dental veneers can be used to treat a range of cosmetic concerns, such as broken, chipped, cracked, discolored, or small teeth. These thin pieces of porcelain or resin are custom-made for the patient to achieve a particular shape, size, and color. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile or hide small imperfections, veneers may be an optimal solution.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells designed to look like tooth enamel. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and are placed over the front of teeth to change their size, color, length, and shape. These can help patients achieve a more symmetrical smile and improve their overall confidence.
Best Types of Oral Veneers
There are several things to consider when choosing a type of veneer. Porcelain veneers are a popular option as they look like your real teeth. They usually involve at least two visits and require the dentist to remove a thin layer of the enamel. With proper care, porcelain can last upwards of 10 to 15 years. Porcelain is fairly translucent which allows the material to capture light similar to the way that natural teeth do. The biggest downside of porcelain veneers is that they are not reversible if you change your mind in the future.
Composite resin veneers can be applied quicker than porcelain, usually on the same day. Your dentist will match the resin to the shade of your surrounding teeth to achieve a natural look. The resin is then added to the teeth, cured, and polished. Composite resin is fairly durable but is prone to chipping. Composite can also stain like your natural teeth. However, unlike porcelain, composite resin is reversible. Resin is also a more affordable option as it doesn’t take as much time, resources, or expertise as porcelain veneers.
What Are Veneers Used For?
Veneers can be used to resolve a wide range of cosmetic dental issues. Some of the most common uses of new dental veneers include:
- Chips and Worn Enamel – Cracks, chips, and uneven enamel wear can make you appear older than you really are. Porcelain veneers can help conceal this type of damage and protect against further damage.
- Gaps Between Teeth – Placing veneers over your teeth can help hide gaps in a natural-looking way.
- Permanent Stains – Stains can be caused by food, drinks, certain medications, or excessive fluoride treatments. Dental veneers cover the fronts of the teeth to conceal these stains.
- Misshapen, Uneven Teeth – If you have uneven teeth, veneers can make your teeth appear more uniform in shape and size.
- Crooked Teeth – Patients with slightly crooked teeth can benefit from veneers as they give the teeth an aligned, straight appearance.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Over time, enamel can wear away causing chronic tooth sensitivity. Covering the exposed enamel can often help reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity.
The Right Veneer Procedure
The process involves a series of steps, starting with a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for dental veneers. If your dentist approves, the next step involves preparing your teeth for the procedure. Porcelain veneers require the dentist to remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth to create space for the veneers. Your dentist will then make a dental mold of your teeth and choose a veneer shade that matches the rest of your teeth.
Once your veneers have been made, you will return to your dental office where they will be bonded to your teeth.
This process begins by etching the teeth to roughen them up and create a better surface for the veneers to adhere to. The veneers are then attached to the teeth using dental cement. Once the veneers are in place, your dentist will shine a special light on them to harden the cement. Any necessary adjustments will then be made. Your dentist may also schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks.
Contact Us
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic option that can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for your cosmetic tooth problems, contact Artistic Touch Dentistry.