A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. These shells are custom crafted to fit your teeth perfectly and look like natural teeth.
Veneers are used on teeth that are visible when smiling, meaning they are an alternative option to orthodontic treatments. They can also be used on teeth chipped or worn from bruxism, meaning those who clench their teeth at night can also benefit from this treatment. Contact the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to determine if you could benefit from getting veneers.
The Procedure for Veneers
First, our dentist will numb the area to be treated. The tooth or teeth will be prepped by lightly grinding and shaping the surface to accommodate the veneer's thickness. An impression of the teeth is taken, and you and our dentist will choose a shade. A temporary veneer will be placed at this time.
The temporary veneers are removed at the next appointment, and the permanent ones are attached with a potent bonding agent. But before the veneer is permanently cemented in place, our dentist may ask you to try it to make sure your bite is comfortable and that you like how it looks.
Once bonded to the tooth, a special light may be used to harden and set the bond. Our dentist will then check your bite to ensure it is even and comfortable.
Veneers typically last between five and 15 years with proper care, but they may need to be replaced sooner if you suffer from bruxism or otherwise damage them.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers can correct aesthetic flaws, such as stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignments. The procedures are straightforward, but the results are often dramatic and long-lasting. For example, if your teeth are stained from coffee drinking or tobacco use, the stains can be effectively removed with a whitening treatment. But teeth that are permanently discolored cannot be whitened again. In that case, the best treatment option is to cover them with veneers, which look perfectly natural.
Veneers are custom-made using high-quality ceramic material in a dental lab. That means the color can be adjusted to match your natural teeth, so they will not look fake. Because the material is solid and durable, it can withstand the normal wear and tear of biting and chewing. It is also resistant to staining. Because veneers are bonded to the front part of the tooth, they are completely sealed in place and will not move, making for a highly dependable restoration option.
Veneers can fix various smile imperfections, including teeth that are stained or discolored, worn down, chipped, or broken, irregularly shaped, misaligned, and too small or too large. For more information about veneers, visit the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the Woodlands at 1733 Woodstead Ct Suite 204, Woodlands, TX 77380, or call (281) 367-5256.
