Aesthetic Dentistry

Cosmetic veneers offer a superior way to restore the look of chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. Made of either porcelain or acrylic, veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth, effectively changing a tooth’s width, length, shape, and color. Veneers are a great solution for patients who want to cover stable, healthy teeth.

There are several reasons to choose veneers over other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. Veneers are custom-designed shells made of materials that mimic the look of real teeth. When applied to the surface of stable teeth, veneers can correct the look of worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, and chips or cracks.

Veneers are also a great option for patients who want to improve the look of teeth that are discolored and cannot be whitened with bleach teeth whiteners. Porcelain veneers mimic the luster and look of real teeth, and can make teeth look whiter and brighter while resisting future stains.

How Are Cosmetic Veneers Applied?
If you are considering cosmetic veneers, consult with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. Your dentist will consult with you about your options, expectations, and the process involved in creating, applying, and maintaining your customized veneers. It could take up to three more visits to complete the process.

During your first appointment, your dentist will take x-rays and possibly make a model or impression of your mouth and teeth. The model is sent to a dental laboratory where technicians will create your customized veneers within 1 to 2 weeks.

The next appointment involves bonding the veneers to the surface of your teeth. To prepare your tooth for a veneer, your dentist will first deep clean and polish your teeth. The teeth must then be etched, which involves removing about ½ mm of enamel from the tooth surface, about the thickness of the veneer. Talk to your dentist about the use of local anesthetics or sedation dentistry for this step of the procedure if you are concerned about comfort. Your dentist will most likely need repeatedly remove and trim the veneer to achieve the right shape and fit. The color of the veneer is adjusted with the bonding cement, which is then activated with a special light beam to harden the cement and bond the veneer quickly. Your final appointment will be a follow-up consultation so that your dentist can ensure that your gums are handling the veneers without any irritation and to evaluate the veneer’s placement.

If you want to improve the look of chipped, broken, discolored, or misaligned teeth, cosmetic veneers could be the best solution for you.