Dental veneers are one of the best ways to restore teeth that have been severely discolored or that have surface damage. The procedure is non-invasive and provides a natural-looking restoration that can last for many years, making your smile look like new again.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells made of porcelain. They are affixed to the fronts of the teeth by a cosmetic dentist. The adhesive used to cement the veneers in place creates a strong bond between the porcelain and the tooth enamel. Veneers are very durable and also produce a sheen that mimics that of natural enamel.
Veneers can be used to correct many minor cosmetic issues including:
• Severe or intrinsic discoloration
• Chipped, pitted, or cracked teeth
• Minor gaps between teeth
• Minor misalignment
Although these issues are not serious enough to threaten your tooth, they can lead to self-consciousness about your smile. With veneers, you can have a perfect smile that is easy to obtain and relatively easy to take care of.
How Veneers are Placed
Placing veneers is a two-step procedure. It is relatively non-invasive, and can be accomplished in the dentist’s office. First, molds are made of your teeth. These molds will be used to create your custom-made and color-matched veneers. After the molds are complete, your teeth are slightly restructured to make room for the veneers. This typically involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth. Your dentist will then place a temporary veneer to protect your teeth while your permanent veneers are being prepared.
Creating custom veneers usually takes two or three days. When they are complete, you’ll return to the dentist to have them affixed permanently. Veneers are permanently affixed with an adhesive that bonds strongly with the tooth surface and the porcelain, making the veneers very strong and durable. Be sure to keep them clean and avoid staining agents for the best possible long-term results.
To learn more about the benefits of dental veneers and how they can help your smile, contact the doctor Family Dentistry at our office to schedule an informative consultation.