veneers
Your teeth play many important roles in your mouth. One of these roles is in the appearance of your smile. The smallest flaws in your teeth can have a major impact in your smile, and your confidence. Fortunately, minor flaws can be treated. At Palisade Family Dental, we can provide effective treatment with teeth veneers.
WHAT ARE VENEERS
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They are thin porcelain or resin facings that are designed to be bonded to the front surfaces of teeth affected by minor flaws. They effectively cover over the flaws, restoring a natural appearance to your teeth and enhancing the beauty of your smile.
REASONS FOR VENEERS
Veneers can be used to treat some different cosmetic flaws in your teeth. They can treat:
• Minor chips or cracks in your tooth enamel.
• Gaps between your teeth.
• Slight overlapping of your teeth.
• Small teeth or teeth that are oddly shaped.
• Discoloration that does not respond to whitening.
WHAT ARE VENEERS MADE FROM
Veneers are typically made from one of two materials, composite resin or porcelain. Both of these materials are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend in beautifully with your surrounding teeth. Both are also biocompatible, meaning that they will not irritate your gums.
Porcelain is often the preferred material, providing a more natural appearance. They not only match the color of your natural teeth but also mimic the shine of your tooth enamel. Porcelain is stain-resistant. Where composite resin is porous and can absorb stains that cannot be removed with whitening, porcelain will not. The material can resist stains better than your natural teeth. Porcelain is also stronger than composite resin and lasts longer.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING VENEER PLACEMENT
It usually requires two separate appointments to place veneers, regardless of what material is chosen. At your first appointment, a small portion of the enamel is shaved away from the front surfaces of the affected teeth. This process is done under a local anesthetic, which ensures that you do not feel any discomfort. Removing the enamel is necessary to ensure that your veneers will fit in properly with the rest of your teeth, preventing a bulky, unnatural, and even uncomfortable fit. After the teeth have been prepared, impressions are taken.
Your impressions are sent to our dental lab, where they are used to custom create your veneers. Once they have been completed, you have your second appointment. At this appointment, the veneers are checked for fit and a comfortable bite. If everything looks good, they are bonded into place, and you leave with a completely restored smile.
With dental veneers, we can effectively treat minor flaws in your teeth, greatly enhancing the beauty of your smile and boosting your confidence. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Palisade Family Dental today at (703) 404-9111.