Improving Your Smile Through Custom Veneers

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile.

Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshaped or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Veneers are intended to last for many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.

How Are Veneers Applied?

The tooth is reshaped initially to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is taken of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure.

Advantages of Veneers

Tooth-Like Appearance Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Stain-Resistant Custom-made veneers resist stains from coffee, tea and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech, extremely polishable materials.

Mutliple Benefits Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white. Minor twists and overlaps, as well as small gaps, can be quickly corrected through the use of veneers.

Maintaining Your Veneers

Brush and Floss Regularly to Prevent Oral Hygiene Problems. Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss. Good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.

Veneers provide more strength when crushing an object than twisting or tearing. Therefore, just as with natural teeth, patients with veneers are advised to avoid opening nut shells, chewing on bones or any other matter that may cause the veneers to chip or crack.

Keep In Mind

When considering veneers, keep in mind these important points before undergoing the treatment.

Non-Reversible Procedure. Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit the veneers, the process is NOT reversible.

Anesthetic Advised Generally, the use of a local anesthetic is advised to maintain absolute comfort throughout the treatment process.

Talk to Your Dentist

Be sure to consult with your local AACD member cosmetic dentist to find out if veneers are right for you.