Veneers are one of the most versatile tools available for cosmetic dentistry. They can be used to correct a wide range of dental imperfections. For example, some people have unusually small teeth that result in gaps in between them, and it may not be possible to close these spaces through braces or aligners. Others may have a single tooth that has become discolored or chipped. People who grind their teeth may wear the edges so that the dentin is more visible, making them appear older than their actual years. Veneers can also be used to cover teeth that appear to be crooked or misshapen. In fact, many patients desiring a “Hollywood smile” choose veneers as an important part of their smile makeovers as veneers can conceal such a wide range of imperfections.
Veneers are also ideal for those whose teeth cannot be satisfactorily brightened through standard whitening procedures. For example, some medications can darken the teeth, and over-exposure to fluoride during the teeth’s formative years can result in enamel that has white specks or lines.
The procedure for having veneers attached is simple and fast. X-rays will be taken during your first office visit, and we may need to trim a tiny bit of your enamel. A mold or impression of your teeth will be made and sent to the dental lab, which will craft your veneers from a thin piece of porcelain. Once the veneers are returned to the dentist, you will return for placement. We will verify the color and fit, clean your teeth thoroughly and roughen the surface of the teeth slightly to provide a better bond between the veneer and the tooth. A special type of dental cement is used to secure the veneer to your natural teeth.
Your new veneers will require little in the way of special care. You need only follow your normal routine of oral hygiene, such as flossing daily and brushing at least twice per day. Your veneers should give you many years of a beautiful, worry-free smile.