Dental veneers are a minimally invasive, cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. While veneers represent an investment in your appearance, they are often an excellent choice.
Problems Dental Veneers Can Correct
Dental veneers can eliminate the appearance of certain aesthetic problems in just a few easy appointments. Rather than choosing multiple procedures like teeth whitening and clear aligners, veneers can cover these issues in one step.
Veneers can help with:
- Discolored teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Slight tooth misalignment
How Dental Veneers Work
A veneer is a wafer-thin sheet of tooth-colored material. Dentists apply veneers to the tooth surfaces that show when patients smile, usually only in the front.
To prepare for a veneer, the dentist first takes digital impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help the dental lab match your natural teeth precisely. The dentist also helps you choose the proper shade for your new veneers, whether you want to match your existing teeth or create a brighter appearance.
The next step is removing a small quantity of tooth enamel to allow room for the veneer and provide a surface where it can adhere. After preparing the teeth, the dentist takes another set of impressions.
The dentist will send you home with temporary veneers to prevent excess sensitivity. You will return to the office in just a few weeks to receive your final veneers.
The dentist will use a special cement to bond the veneers to your teeth, creating an instantly beautiful appearance.
Types of Dental Veneers
Composite
Composite veneers are affordable, and the dentist can shape them precisely for a perfect appearance. They are especially useful for reshaping the contours of your teeth.
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and have the luster of natural tooth enamel. They are stronger than composite veneers and less likely to chip and crack.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Veneers
- Avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods using veneered teeth
- Do not chew ice, pens, or other non-food objects
- If you have composite veneers, ensure that you brush right away after having highly-pigmented food or beverages
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
Do dental veneers ruin teeth?
Some patients have heard that veneers damage your teeth, but the truth is that veneers remove only a small portion of enamel. Once you get veneers, you will need to continue replacing them for the life of your teeth.
Why choose veneers instead of teeth whitening?
Veneers are more permanent than teeth whitening. While in-office teeth whitening lasts only a few years, porcelain veneers look great for at least five to seven years.
Call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry
Veneers can improve your smile without the time and hassle involved with other cosmetic procedures. To learn more about veneers, call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry at 813-634-1932.