Dental veneers may be the answer if you have a less-than-attractive smile due to some moderate imperfections. This relatively inexpensive dental restoration may be the key to transforming your smile.
If you’re thinking of veneers as a “thin covering,” you’re on the right track. Just like construction veneers used to cover wall surfaces, dental veneers are thin wafers of material (usual porcelain) that cover the front of tooth surfaces. Made uniquely for the individual patient, veneers provide a life-like covering that can mask a variety of dental imperfections.
Veneers are mildly invasive, meaning some of the enamel layers of the teeth need to be removed, Which they’re bonded. If this alteration occurs, it’s permanent, so the teeth will require a veneer or other restoration from then on. It’s usually necessary, though, so the veneer doesn’t appear too bulky. Even so, veneers are still less invasive than other restorations.
The list of appearance problems veneers can address is quite varied. One of their common uses is to correct certain structural flaws in teeth: chips, abnormal tooth shape from wear, or teeth that are congenitally smaller than normal.
They’re also a remedy for heavy staining. While teeth whitening can temporarily brighten a dull, dingy smile, veneers provide a permanent solution for the problem of staining. They’re also a practical option for internal tooth staining, which can’t be addressed by either home or professional external teeth whitening procedures.
Finally, veneers may be used to close small gaps and other mild forms of dental misalignment. And although they may not be able to correct larger gaps by themselves, they’re sometimes used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Veneers can address many dental flaws, but not all. You’ll need to undergo a complete dental examination to see if your dental situation could benefit from a veneer application. If it seems veneers aren’t a good fit for you, your dentist will discuss other types of cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.
If, on the other hand, veneers do appear to be a viable option for you, you’re just a few visits away from a completely new look. Veneers can change your smile—and your life!
If you would like more information on porcelain veneers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Porcelain Veneers: Strength & Beauty as Never Before.”