Wondering how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile? More often than not, dental veneers are an ideal solution. This versatile treatment addresses an extensive range of dental issues and cosmetic defects. Veneers may be the perfect choice for you to achieve a stunning and natural-looking smile.

What are dental veneers, and how do they work?

A dental veneer is a thin shell that is attached to the front surface of a tooth. It is carefully customized to provide an immaculate yet natural appearance that matches your natural teeth. You might have a dental veneer on a single tooth or multiple veneers to revamp your whole smile.

The veneer itself can be made from a variety of materials. Porcelain and other ceramics are commonly used for their natural appearance and strength. Today, composite resin veneers also provide a faster and more affordable treatment that still delivers a beautiful smile.

Dental veneers are a perfect solution in many cases.

When you come in for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, there are a variety of treatments that could be right for you. Each is suitable for certain situations, but dental veneers are a great fit for almost any issue.

Covering the front surface of the tooth means that almost any aspect of its appearance can be changed, including:

• Covering permanent stains that don’t respond to whitening
• Minimizing gaps between teeth
• Making crooked teeth appear straight
• Correcting the size or shape of misshapen teeth
• Restoring chipped or cracked teeth

Dental veneers aren’t the right solution for every case, but they do cover many cases. Unless a tooth has structural issues that may call for a crown or other restorative treatments, dental veneers can likely deal with almost any cosmetic defect.

Your Dental Veneer Treatment

The first step is a consultation with your dentist to discuss your treatment options. They’ll determine whether dental veneers are the right choice for your specific case.

From there, the dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth to accommodate the veneers. This makes room for the veneer to lie flat. They will then take physical or digital impressions to ensure that your veneers are a custom fit.

Those impressions will be used by a dental lab to create your custom porcelain veneers. Once the veneers are ready, your dentist carefully bonds them to the tooth using a lasting dental cement that provides a durable hold.

A custom solution for your smile makeover.

Your dentist will take a variety of important factors into account when planning your dental veneers. The process includes matching the proportions and shade of your other natural teeth, especially when dealing with just one, or a few problem teeth.

Shade selection is one of the most crucial elements. A smile that’s as bright as possible appears jarring and unnatural. Instead, your dentist will take note of your skin tone and the shade of the white part of your eyes to choose the perfect level of brightness.

Why do so many people choose porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are among the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, and it’s not hard to see why. Porcelain veneers are simply beautiful and feature a natural translucence that makes them a perfect match for enamel. They also resist stains in the long run, and that quality is essential for any veneer material.

The treatment is also straightforward and non-invasive compared to options, such as dental crowns. This means that they are more affordable as well. How much are veneers? Your individual case will vary depending on a variety of factors, but they’ll cost less than crowns, bridges, or dental implants for sure.

Taking Care of Your Veneers

Properly cared for, veneers can last for decades. Porcelain is a strong and durable material, but there are still certain steps you should take to care for your veneers. First, avoid biting anything that isn’t food. Biting your nails, or using your teeth as a tool to open packaging, can damage the veneers.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. This is good advice for natural teeth as well, as it helps prevent wear over time, ensuring that both natural teeth and veneers last as long as possible.

Interested in discovering if veneers are right for you?

If you’re not fully satisfied with your smile, then veneers could be just what you need. The team at My Chico Dentist can take a closer look at your smile and recommend a variety of treatment options that may include dental veneers. We develop treatment plans that provide our patients with beautiful, unique smiles. Schedule your consultation today to get started.