How Veneers Can Improve The Look Of Your Smile

Looking to transform your stained teeth, or do you suffer from a chipped tooth? Dental veneers are an affordable option for patients who want to improve the look of their smiles without breaking the bank. A veneer is a thin covering that is specifically designed to your teeth to improve the shade, contour, shape and size of your teeth. For patients who are looking for a boost of confidence or want to have a more brilliant smile, veneers are for you! Find out what this process looks like and what you can expect whenever you get a veneer placed with this guide!

What Are Veneers?

Have you ever seen a celebrity with sparkling white, straight teeth? Has someone you know suddenly had a brilliant smile but didn’t have braces? Veneers are a popular trend among the rich and famous, but are now being seen more often among the general populace, as well. Veneers help improve the appearance of your smile by placing a custom-made thin covering over the front of each individual tooth. People who suffer from stained or chipped teeth and those with gaps in their teeth are common wearers of veneers. The purpose of veneers is to recreate the natural tooth while improving the strength and resilience of teeth at the same time. Porcelain veneers are the most common type, but a natural-color “composite” material is often used, as well. If you’re looking to improve the look of your smile, veneers could be a good option for you, but there are some tips to keep in mind. Veneers are a permanent and irreversible treatment, so speak with your dentist about whether they are the best choice for you and your wants before getting them placed.

How Veneers Work

Placing veneers takes between one and two appointments, depending on whether your veneer is prefabricated before your appointment or if the laboratory is creating the veneer. During your first visit, your teeth will be prepared for the fitting and the dentist will make sure that the veneer matches your tooth color (or the color that you would like your teeth to be). An impression is then taken of your teeth so that the veneer can be designed and fitted according to your teeth’s dimensions. Some of the outer enamel is removed during this process so that the veneer can be bonded to your tooth easily, but only a small amount so that, with the veneer, the tooth will remain the same size. The typical placement process for porcelain veneers made in the laboratory goes through a four-step process. First, the tooth will be cleaned and a small section of the enamel will be removed to provide room on the tooth for the veneer. Anesthesia typically isn’t administered during this process, but can be requested for those patients with high sensitivity. Second, an impression of the teeth will be made for the laboratory and a temporary veneer, called a trail smile, will be placed on the tooth. After the veneer is created by the laboratory, it will be delivered to your dentist, where the temporary veneer will be removed and the teeth cleaned. The veneer is then etched, rinsed thoroughly and dried before adhesive is placed, along with cement. Finally, the veneer is placed and light cured for 60 seconds to ensure that it is attached to the tooth structure. Afterwards, your dentist will remove any remaining material and polish your veneers for a shiny finish.

Although veneers are permanent, they are a relatively conservative treatment. Most of your original tooth structure stays intact and there is very little tooth modification to fit the veneer. Once the veneer is fitted, little upkeep is needed to take care of it. Before making any adjustments, make sure to let your mouth and teeth get used to the veneer before visiting your dentist. It is normal for the veneer to feel strange in your mouth at first, but you will get used to it after a few days when your mouth adjusts to it.

Caring For Veneers

Just as you would take care of your teeth, veneers are no exception. Because of their durability, veneers can last for years if you take good care of them. Regular brushing and flossing will keep the veneer clean of leftover food particles and prevent staining. Porcelain veneers themselves do not fade or yellow over time, but the foods we consume can easily do that. If you can, try to limit the amount of coffee and other stain-inducing foods that can damage the brilliance of your veneers. Additionally, just like other dental restorations, veneers can also chip or wear over time, so make sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist to monitor the strength of your veneer and prevent any decay. A single tooth can cost anywhere from $800-2,000 or even more, so it’s important that you have a good oral hygiene routine to keep them as long as possible and save you money.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are ready to take the next step towards having a beautiful smile, call Stonebrook Family Dental at (303) 872-7907! Our team is experienced with placing veneers and helping patients receive the beautiful smiles that they deserve. Call now to schedule your consultation!