Dental Veneers: Making your Smile Bright and Beautiful Again

| August 23, 2016

Dental VeneersFor some of us, brightening our smile can take more than just the typical cleaning appointment. Tooth trauma or decay, past dental restoration, and even chemical treatments may have left your teeth looking less than their best.

For those in need of a transformative improvement, veneers can make a big difference in the overall color and appearance of your teeth. But if you haven’t considered veneers before, you may have some questions about the process.

To get you started, here are the important things to know about veneers, and if they’re right for you.

What are Veneers?

Also referred to as porcelain laminates, dental veneers are thin, cosmetic shells that cover the exterior surface of a tooth. Veneers are used to improve a tooth’s brightness, and to reshape crooked or broken teeth.

Each veneer is customized to fit the tooth, and to match the color of surrounding teeth to give a more natural appearance. If taken care of properly, then can last 10-20 years.

Veneers are usually porcelain, but can also be crafted from resin composite material. Porcelain veneers are better at resisting stains, while resin veneers are thinner, meaning less of the tooth’s surface needs to be removed.

Who can Benefit from Veneers

Veneers are usually reserved for teeth that need fairly significant improvement. Some conditions that can be addressed with veneers include:

Broken or chipped teeth
Severely discolored teeth, or teeth that have been stained as a result of root canals or excessive fluoride
Uneven or misaligned teeth
Gapped or irregularly shaped teeth

How Veneers Work

Dental veneers are applied by your dentist over two visits, along with an initial consultation. They will take x-rays or make impressions of your teeth to develop a personalized course of action.

Once the procedure begins, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth, and the veneer will be temporarily attached to the tooth to check its placement. Your dentist will continue to remove and trim the veneer to ensure a perfect fit.

Once the placement is just right, the tooth is polished and etched, to create a better bonding surface. The veneer is then secured with a fast-drying cement, which has also been matched to the tooth’s color.

Your dentist will probably ask you to come back for a few follow-up visits, to make any slight adjustments the veneers need, and to make sure your gums and other teeth aren’t experiencing soreness.

How Grandview Dental Care can Help

Our professionals at Grandview Dental Care are well-trained in the latest cosmetic techniques, and are happy to help determine if veneers are right for you.

We begin our process with a free smile consultation. Our staff will present your treatment options and costs, along with computer-enhanced renderings to help you better envision the difference veneers can make to the brightness of your smile.

If you’ve been discouraged about the appearance of your teeth, but have been unsure about what to do, dental veneers can offer a long-lasting and significant improvement. To schedule your free smile consultation, contact us online or by calling 614-486-7378.