Do you want a beautiful new smile without delay? Using veneers, we can quickly and dramatically transform the aesthetics of your teeth. A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the surface of a tooth to instantly improve its appearance. Although veneers provide rapid results and correct a wide array of problems, they are not a flash-in-the-pan fix. When cared for properly, they can easily last for more than a decade.
Veneers
Veneers look like natural teeth and can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues. Although they are considered a conservative treatment, they are a fantastic way to fix teeth that are chipped or stained. Because they afford an opportunity to replace lost tooth structure, they can also be used to correct teeth that are irregularly shaped, restore worn surfaces, and fix minor misalignments like gaps between teeth.
How Are Veneers Applied?
The procedure varies based on the type of veneer that you select. With either porcelain or resin, the process begins with a thorough examination to confirm that you are a good candidate. Once you have discussed your proposed treatment plan with your dentist and decided to proceed, the dentist will choose the correct shade of veneer for your smile goals and prepare the teeth that will be treated. This prep often involves removing a very small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth; in some cases, no tooth structure is removed.
If you opt for porcelain veneers, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth and send them to a lab, where they will be used to create custom veneers that perfectly fit your teeth. Once the dentist receives the veneers, they will check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, clean the teeth, and bond the veneers to the teeth.
If you choose resin veneers, impressions generally won’t be required. Instead, the dentist will meticulously mold and sculpt a composite material of the appropriate color on the tooth before hardening it with a special light. Then, the veneer will be smoothed and polished to create a natural appearance. In some cases, resin veneers can be completed in a single visit.
What Care Do Veneers Require?
Caring for veneers is incredibly simple, because no special maintenance is necessary. While professional polishing from your dentist can keep your veneers looking their very best, a good oral hygiene routine that incorporates daily brushing and flossing will keep your veneers in good condition on a day-to-day basis. It’s also vital for the health of both your veneers and your teeth that you continue to see your dentist for regular checkups. This allows your dentist to catch and address any potential problems early, when they are typically easier and less expensive to fix.
Veneers are very durable, because they adhere to the strong structure of your tooth. However, they can chip, break, or pop off if subjected to excessive stress. To prevent damage to your veneers, we encourage you to seek treatment immediately if you discover that you grind your teeth. In addition, avoid chewing on excessively hard objects like pens, ice, and bones. Like natural teeth, veneers can also be stained by certain foods, including coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. So if you have veneers, we recommend that you limit your consumption of these foods and drinks.
The Benefits of Veneers
Why do people seeking a better smile choose veneers? They offer all of the following benefits:
- Quickly improve the appearance of your smile
- Enhance the shape and alignment of teeth
- Whiten your teeth as much as you like
- Strengthen weakened teeth
- Provide long-lasting, durable results
Would you like to enhance your smile? Are you curious about dental veneers or other forms of cosmetic dentistry? The team at Duff Family Dental would be delighted to help. If you live in or around Springfield, Missouri, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
