Considering Dental Veneers? When you look at your smile in the mirror or photos, do you like what you see? Do you find yourself wanting better teeth? Do you wonder what your teeth would look like if they were all the same length, evenly spaced, and the same pearly white color? For some, having the perfect smile might seem impossible. Braces and traditional whitening techniques can only go so far. By replacing these troublesome teeth with veneers, you can get the look you actually want. But what exactly are veneers? Below, Flintlock Dental discusses the problems that can be fixed with veneers, the process involved, and what the results could mean for you!

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, customizable shells that go over the front of your existing teeth. These shells are typically made of a resin or porcelain material, making them a durable and long-term solution for many dental problems. Some of the issues that dental veneers can improve or even fix completely include:

• Stained/Discolored Teeth – If you have some discoloration on your teeth that whitening techniques have not improved to your satisfaction, veneers may be the way to go. Placing veneers over your discolored teeth will instantly brighten your smile.
• Misaligned Teeth – Veneers can help reshape your misaligned smile as well as get rid of any gaps between your teeth.
• Worn or Broken Teeth – If you have a chipped tooth or some that are visibly worn down, veneers can be used instead of extracting the teeth completely. In these cases, using veneers can save you money, time, and pain.

Applying Veneers

When you’re deciding whether or not to get veneers for your teeth, you should be aware of the process involved. In most cases, veneers will require separate 3 visits to your dentist’s office. Let’s take a look at what each of these visits will involve:

1. Planning – Your first visit with the dentist will consist of an initial exam to ensure that you’re a good candidate for veneers. If everything checks out, you will likely have some x-rays done, an impression taken of your teeth, and sometimes you will be given a model of the veneers that lets you see what they will look like over your teeth.
2. Preparation – At the next visit, it will be time to get your teeth prepared for the veneers. For veneers to be placed, the dentist must shave off approximately 1/2 millimeter of enamel from your teeth. Afterwards, a new impression will be taken of each tooth to be sent off to have the veneers made to fit your teeth.
3. Bonding – Once the veneers are ready (which usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks after the initial visit), the dentist will place and trim the veneers to make sure they fit correctly and look great. Once they have been trimmed and fitted, the dentist will adhere each veneer to its tooth with special cement that bonds them in place.

Why Choose Veneers?

There are several positives to getting veneers when compared with other options. They have a natural look that matches your other teeth and will not leave you with a fake-looking smile. You can replace only one tooth or several, depending on the circumstances. Veneers are a relatively quick solution, with a total process of fewer than two weeks from start to finish. Along with looking natural and getting done quickly, veneers also offer a comfortable fit. They are thin and sturdy and usually feel completely natural on your teeth once they’ve been put into place.

Resin-Based vs Porcelain-Based Veneers

Resin-based veneers require less grinding down of the enamel on your teeth before application, as they are made of a thinner material. Using a porcelain-based veneer requires more enamel to be taken off the outside of your teeth before the veneer can be placed. However, porcelain is a better quality material for veneers, as they don’t stain as easily as resin and replicate the look and feel of actual teeth better. Either option works, and it comes down to the preference of you and your dentist.

At Flintlock Dental, we choose to use porcelain veneers. Why porcelain? These fine veneers are sculpted by hand and held with a sturdy adhesive to the front of your teeth. Porcelain is a sturdy option that is stain and break resistant.

If you think that veneers might be a good solution for you, call today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Schaller!