Some of us have teeth that are not as white or as close to perfection as we would like them to be. Perhaps a tooth has been chipped or fractured. In some cases, teeth may have become discolored from age, smoking, or the beverages we drink.
Veneers are a terrific, long-lasting solution for making your smile bright and beautiful.
What are Veneers and How do They Work?
Veneers are very thin, resin shells made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin that cover your natural teeth. As strong and resilient as tooth enamel, veneers can protect the teeth for many years, while improving the shape and look of any broken, chipped, or stained teeth.
Veneers are individually custom-made for each patient to tightly fit the contours of his or her teeth. Once properly shaped, veneers are bonded to the dental enamel during one, perhaps two, office visits.
How are Veneers Placed on the Teeth?
If a patient has particularly sensitive teeth, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, although this is not usually needed. The dentist carefully cleans the teeth and determines the proper shade for the veneer.
Next, a thin layer of dental enamel is removed to make room for the veneers.
An impression is made of each tooth being treated and a temporary veneer is put in place.
Once the custom veneer has been delivered to the office, the tooth is once again cleaned and the veneer is prepared and cemented onto the tooth.
A special tool called a curing light is used to help harden the adhesive attached to the veneer and the tooth.
As a final step, the dentist polishes the veneer and removes any excess material.
Should you Consider Getting Veneers?
The best candidates for veneers are individuals with discolored, broken, chipped, or worn teeth that adversely affect their appearance. Patients with moderate to light discoloration are better off considering a whitening treatment, while alignment issues are better solved with orthodontics.
Caring for Your Veneers
Once you have them, it’s important to take good care of your veneers so that they will last as long as possible, before needing replacement. Brush and floss well avoidfoods and drinks that stain your teeth, such as black tea, coffee, and red wine.
Still Have Questions About Veneers?
If you have any questions at all about veneers, including about the cost or procedure, please give us a call and set up an appointment. We’ll be happy to tell you everything you need to know to help come up with a plan to give you the most beautiful smile.
We appreciate our patients and love to see them smile!