If you aren’t satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of your smile, consider getting veneers. Veneers are a thin coating of porcelain placed on the tooth’s surface, which result in a more uniform shape, smoother surface and natural-looking tooth color.
Veneers are a great solution for discoloration associated with:
- Root canals
- Medication
- Fluorosis – stains that result from fluoride exposure during infancy and early childhood.
Additionally, a dentist may use veneers to repair chipped, broken teeth, or teeth worn from aging. A cosmetic dentist might also use veneers as a time and cost efficient alternative to braces to correct crooked or misaligned teeth or gaps in between teeth.
Advantages
There are many benefits to porcelain veneers compared to other options such as dental bonding:
- Natural look -the color and shape of the veneer is matched to the teeth around it.
- No irritation to gum tissue because of using porcelain
- Brighter than other materials used in veneers, such as resins.
Procedure
Before applying veneers to teeth, x-rays are taken and an impression of teeth is made. The impression is sent off to a dental laboratory to make the veneers match the tooth size.
After the veneer materials are received by our office, the patient comes for a second appointment. The dentist will clean, polish and then etch a thin layer of the tooth enamel to prep the veneers for bonding.
After the veneer is placed on each tooth with adhesive cement, the dentist will place the veneer under a light beam that causes the cement to bond to the tooth’s surface. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to check on the veneers and make any adjustments as necessary. Patients can expect veneers to last approximately 10 to 15 years.
Make an appointment today to see if veneers are right for you
