How Veneers Can Change the Way You Are Perceived

Dental veneers are a method in cosmetic dentistry that can noticeably boost the way your smile looks while effectively treating a variety of dental issues. Please read our article to learn the benefits of this dental restoration and how veneers can change the way you are perceived. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front surface of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, but some other materials, such as resin composite or zirconia, can also be used for making veneers. 

The Process of Getting Dental Veneers

The Initial Consultation

Not all people might be suited for dental veneers. That is why you first need a consultation with your dentist, who will carefully examine the condition of your teeth’s enamel and your dental health. Also, you can discuss your concerns and goals with the dentist and choose the shade of your future veneers during the consultation to set accurate expectations for your treatment. 

If you have any oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, you will most likely have to treat them before getting veneers. 

Preparing your teeth for veneers

Before veneers are applied, the teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer of their enamel to create enough space for them. Thus, the procedure of getting dental veneers is considered irreversible.

Taking the Impressions of Your Teeth

For the next step, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create a mold. Samples of your teeth color will also be taken. Then, both the impressions and the color samples will be sent to a lab, where your new veneers will be custom-made. While your permanent veneers are being made in the lab, you will wear temporary veneers.

The Final Step

The final step is applying your custom-made permanent veneers to your teeth. After removing the temporary veneers, your dentist will attach the permanent ones to your teeth using a special acidic gel. The gel dissolves minerals on the surface of the teeth, making them rougher and allowing the veneers to bond securely with your teeth. 

After the procedure is complete, you can return to your daily activities right away. You might experience mild tooth sensitivity for several days after the procedure, but these feelings will soon go away completely.

Types of Dental Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

The advantages of porcelain dental veneers include:

  • Porcelain veneers are semi-translucent, which makes them look very natural and practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. 
  • Porcelain veneers are durable and can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care.
  • Porcelain is a stain-resistant material, meaning that your veneers stain less than natural teeth’s porous enamel.

Composite Veneers

Dental veneers made of resin composite are a cheaper option than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers still look natural in the mouth, and their shade and color can be matched to those of the rest of your teeth. However, resin composite is not as durable and stain-resistant as porcelain, so composite veneers can have a shorter life span. 

Zirconia Veneers

In most cases, zirconia veneers look similar to porcelain veneers, but there are still some differences between these two materials. Zirconia is a highly durable material, so veneers of this material are made to be thinner. This, in turn, makes the veneer slightly transparent and results in a more natural look. The durability of zirconia allows veneers to be thinner than other types of veneers, meaning that less of the teeth’s enamel has to be removed to fit zirconia veneers. 

How Veneers Can Change the Way You Are Perceived

The way our teeth look can be important for our self-confidence and presentation. Dental veneers can change the appearance of your smile and the way you are perceived in various ways:

  • Veneers can cover discolored, stained, or uneven-in-tone teeth, providing excellent results that last much longer than teeth whitening.
  • Veneers can be used to cover misshapen teeth, improving their size and length.
  • Veneers can make your teeth appear straighter without the need for an orthodontic treatment.
  • Veneers can be effectively used to close gaps between the teeth.
  • Veneers can cover chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, making your smile look healthier.
  • In combination with other treatments, veneers can be used to fix the issue of a gummy smile.

Make an Appointment Today

If you want to change the appearance of your teeth in a short time, dental veneers are a great solution. Do not hesitate to call our dental office and schedule a consultation with one of our veneer specialists. We look forward to welcoming you to Smiles of Arcadia.