A bright, healthy smile can be the most attractive quality about a person, and dental veneers can help you get there. Very few people are completely confident in their smile. Chipped, discolored and misshapen teeth can deal a blow to your confidence.
Smiling, eating and talking become unpleasant experiences where an individual is solely focused on the appearance of their teeth instead of enjoying the moment. Thankfully, dental veneers can improve your smile and restore your confidence.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are porcelain shells custom made to fit over a single tooth or multiple teeth to improve the appearance of teeth. These thin, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain are cemented to the front of teeth. The material is strong and appears natural.
What is the procedure like?
The placement of dental veneers is relatively non-invasive. First, the dentist will prepare your teeth by removing about one millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. An impression is then taken of the teeth. This mold is sent to a laboratory, where your veneers are created by a dental technician. The veneers will be personalized to your exact needs, matching both the shape and color of the teeth.
After a short waiting period, the veneers are ready to be placed. In the second appointment, your dentist will bond the veneer to the front of the tooth with special dental cement.
Am I a candidate for dental veneers?
Many older dental patients tend to gravitate toward this cosmetic procedure. However, a person of any age who has issues with their teeth may benefit from veneers. Porcelain veneers cannot stand alone, so missing teeth will need a different solution.
Teeth with otherwise healthy structure, but a few cosmetic issues are great candidates for veneers. Small chips in teeth or a discolored tooth can be remedied by veneers. Decayed teeth can be structurally supported by veneers. Dental veneers are also beneficial for minor bite problems and gaps between teeth.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
The teeth will appear healthier and the smile fuller. Very little tooth structure is lost, especially in comparison to other dental procedures. Veneers are resistant to decay and staining as well. With proper care, your veneers can last a lifetime.
Disadvantages
Although just a very small portion of the enamel is removed, it is still an irreversible procedure. Once it is bonded to the tooth, it is there permanently. This means if your natural teeth become whiter or darker, the veneers may stand out. Keep in mind that veneers can still be damaged by trauma and are not invincible.
How to care for veneers
Dentists recommend taking care of your veneers as if they were your natural teeth. Protect them from clenching and grinding damage by wearing a mouthguard at night. Although they are not susceptible to tooth decay, the gums around veneers can still experience a bacterial attack in the form of gum disease. Keep them clean by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smtfamilydental.com or call South Mountain Family Dental at (602) 438-9245 for an appointment in our Tempe office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates.