If you feel self-conscious about your smile, have crooked, chipped, or cracked teeth, unsightly gaps, deep staining, or discoloration, veneers can help you experience a total smile makeover. In just two appointments, you can walk out of our office with a brighter, whiter, healthier grin that you can feel confident about.
What is a veneer?
Veneers are ultra-thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin material that are bonded over the surface of your teeth to hide imperfections like staining, cracks, crookedness, and gaps. They improve the appearance of your teeth instantly to give you a brighter, more confident smile. The best part? Veneers look completely natural.
How does it work?
The whole process of installing veneers is very simple and generally only takes two appointments. It’s pain-free for most patients, though when necessary, local anesthesia can be administered.
First, your dentist will clean the tooth and determine the exact shade the veneer should be to make sure it blends in with the rest of your teeth. It’s important that you take an active role in designing your new smile. Consult with your dentist for as long as you need to feel comfortable and understand how your new smile will look.
Composite resin veneers can sometimes be fabricated onsite, while porcelain (ceramic) veneers are fabricated in a laboratory using a mold of your teeth to make sure they fit perfectly. This may take a few days, though luckily, that’s the only waiting period in this process.
After the veneers have been fabricated and delivered, it takes just one appointment to fit them. Your dentist will place them over your teeth to check the fit and color. If you’re satisfied with the look, they will use a specialized light to permanently bond the veneer onto your tooth. In just a short time, your smile makeover is complete.
Why use veneers?
If you have gaps or misalignments between your teeth, veneers are a much less intrusive option than braces or dental implants. There are no wires, no rubber bands, no screws, and no months of waiting and reevaluating. Veneers are also ideal for masking small cosmetic issues like cracks or discoloration, because they fit over the damaged tooth to completely hide any imperfections.
In terms of upkeep, all you have to do is brush and floss twice per day as usual. Though to prolong the life of your veneers and maintain your dental health, consider limiting your intake of coffee, wine, and tobacco, which can cause staining. Your veneers should last a minimum of 7-10 years, but by practicing proper oral hygiene, you can help them to last for up to twenty years. That’s double the average lifetime of dental crowns.
Are veneers right for me?
The best way to find out is to ask your dentist. Veneers are a great choice for patients whose dental issues are primarily cosmetic. If your teeth are severely damaged, misaligned, or missing, veneers might not be a viable option, because they require a functional tooth to be fitted over. Patients with severe damage might want to look at dental implants instead. Dr. Wes Mullins offers both veneers and My Teeth Today Dental Implants, so whatever your decision, we’ve got you covered.
If you think your smile could benefit from veneers, contact us today. We specialize in expert dental care in a comfortable, relaxing environment.