Veneers

A smile is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to first impressions and self-confidence. So, it's important that you have a smile that makes you want to, well, smile. Whether you have minor imperfections that you'd like to address or you are hoping to completely makeover the look of your smile, dental veneers can be a simple solution to improving the overall aesthetic appearance of your smile. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a permanent cosmetic dental treatment that consists of wafer-thin, tooth-shaped shells of tooth-colored porcelain. Dental veneers are permanently affixed to a patient's teeth, completely covering the visible surfaces to create a whole new look. 

What Kinds of Concerns Can Dental Veneers Address?

Dental veneers are a highly versatile cosmetic treatment, as they can be used to mask, cover, or hide a wide array of concerns that patients might have with their smiles. Dental veneers are commonly used to:

  • Hide chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  • Mask permanent stains and discoloration on the surfaces of teeth
  • Cover up old, silver amalgam dental fillings that are visible
  • Correct the appearance of an irregularly sized or shaped tooth
  • Cover up gaps between teeth
  • Create the appearance of a straight smile without orthodontic treatment
  • Improve the symmetry and balance of a smile

Dental veneers are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile, and they can be used in a variety of creative ways to help patients achieve their desired look. 

What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

The process of getting dental veneers begins with a consultation appointment. During this appointment, our dentist will discuss the dental veneer treatment process with you, perform an examination, and help you determine whether or not dental veneers are the best solution for your unique situation. 

Dental veneer treatment begins by removing a thin layer of enamel from the surfaces of your teeth. This is a necessary step in preparing the teeth for dental veneers, and this step ensures a smooth and comfortable fit following treatment. We then take a detailed set of digital images and impressions of your teeth and work closely with you, helping you understand what you can expect from treatment while designing your desired treatment results.

We then fit you with a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth and send your unique specifications to our dental lab where your dental veneers will be custom-created for you. Once your set of veneers is ready, we'll schedule you for a placement appointment. We then permanently affix the dental veneers to your teeth using dental cement and ensure you are satisfied with the results. When your treatment is complete, you can begin enjoying your new smile right away. 

How to Care for Your New Set of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are most commonly made from durable, stain-resistant porcelain. They're designed to be tough and, on average, last for about 15 years. 

You can prolong their lifespan by continuing to take good care of your teeth. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and do not use overly abrasive oral care products. Additionally, avoid chewing on hard objects or foods, do not use tobacco products of any kind, and refrain from consuming lots of highly pigmented foods and beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, dark-colored colas, berries, and chocolate). 

If your veneers become damaged, schedule a restoration appointment with our dentist and we can restore or replace your damaged veneer. 

Additional Treatment Options for Patients Considering Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a powerful and versatile cosmetic treatment. However, patients sometimes benefit from choosing alternative treatment options such as professional teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental bonding, or dental crowns. The treatment that is right for you will depend on your specific treatment needs, preferences, and budget. All of our cosmetic and restorative services are designed to help our patients improve the look and health (in the case of restorative treatments) of their smiles. 

Find Out If Dental Veneers Are Right for You

While dental veneers offer the potential to completely makeover your smile, they aren't always the best option for everyone. During a patient consultation, our dentist can talk with you about your smile concerns and treatment goals while also performing a dental exam. We can then work with you to determine the best course of treatment to meet your needs and help you achieve your smile goals. To learn more about dental veneers and how you might benefit from veneers or other treatment options, we welcome you to contact our office today.

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