It’s not uncommon for patients to come into our office with cosmetic defects in their teeth. They may have cracked, chipped, stained or slightly crooked teeth which is causing them to be dissatisfied with their smile.

Whatever the reason, there are some really great options to fix these problems. One of these options is porcelain veneers.

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit just over the surface of your teeth.  They are designed specifically to enhance the appearance of your teeth.  Once bonded to the front of your existing teeth, they can change the color, shape, size and overall length of your teeth.

In addition, the success of the treatment depends on the artistic eye of the doctor.  Making the veneers too large can give the appearance of “buck teeth” or what some call “chicklet teeth.”

In our office, we work hard to help you get the outcome you desire. We pay attention to the shape, size and color of the teeth so that your smile looks naturally you.

Types of Veneers

Dental veneers are normally made from a porcelain material.  There are some that are made from composite resins. 

Porcelain veneers have been found to be stronger and resist staining better than composite resin veneers.  Porcelain material is also more translucent than the other materials and can be custom shaded to match your existing teeth if needed.

What Types of Problems Can Veneers Solve?

Veneers can solve several problems including the following:

• Teeth that have been discolored due to root canal treatment, tetracycline staining, or fluorosis
• Teeth that are worn down
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
• Teeth with gaps

The Procedure

Getting veneers is a pretty straightforward process.  It normally requires two to three visits; a consultation, preparation and final application of the veneers.  

Planning The Treatment

The first step is always a comprehensive exam and consultation with the doctor. This consultation will determine if veneers are right for you.  

In some cases, when the tooth has significant wear or breakage, a crown may be advised instead of a veneer.  Similar to a veneer, a crown encases more of the tooth to make it stronger and more natural looking.

In our office, we use 3D Cone Beam imaging which allows us to see the teeth and bone much better.  This type of imaging allows us to plan and execute treatment better.

Preparation

To get the teeth ready for the veneers, the doctor will reshape the tooth surface.  This is generally equal to the thickness of the veneer.  You and the doctor will decide if you need numbing or not.  Impressions are taken and sent to the lab so the veneers can be made.

A cosmetic wax-up is often used to give the patient an idea of what their teeth smile will look like after the treatment is done.  

The doctor will tell you how long it will take to get your new veneers in.  In the meantime, temporary veneers can be used until the permanent ones come in.

Application of the Veneers

When you come in for the final appointment, we will try on the lab-made veneers. We will check for an accurate fit and give you plenty of time to verify in a mirror that you love the shape and color.

What Are The Benefits of Veneers?

Here are some of the advantages of veneers:

• You get a beautiful and natural looking appearance
• Your gums will tolerate the veneers well
• They are stain resistant
• They can be custom shaded to achieve the desired appearance
• They generally don’t require as much shaping or prepping as a crown might need

How Long Do They Last?

With proper care, veneers can normally last 7 to 15 years or longer.  The key to them lasting as long as possible is to make sure you keep up your oral hygiene at home and regular in-office cleanings.

How Much Do They Cost?

This is the number one question most people have about veneers.  There really is no set answer as each person’s situation is different.  When you come in for your consultation and exam, we will go over the cost associated with your case.

If you think veneers might be a good fit for you to improve your smile, then give our office a call today.  We will be glad to have you come in for a consultation.