Have you ever wondered how movie stars get their bright, pearly white teeth? Most people think you can get very bright teeth if you whiten your teeth enough, but this look is usually achieved using veneers. Dental veneers can brighten the shade of your teeth and change their size and shape, creating an optimal and customized smile.
Veneers are a customized, thin coating that adheres to the front surface of a tooth. They are fabricated in a lab, specifically for your teeth and smile, and are typically made from porcelain. Because they cover the front surface of your teeth, your dentist can alter the size, shape and colour to best suit your smile. Depending on the look you want to achieve, dental veneers can be used for one, two or even an entire arch of teeth (upper and lower).
Dental veneers are the best option to improve the overall appearance of your smile. As stated above, they can improve the shade, shape and size of your teeth, and they can also be used to mask crowded and rotated teeth. In addition to this, dental veneers may be useful to bulk up peg-shaped teeth, cover internal staining and cover teeth with gum recession. Therefore, if you want a “smile makeover,” your dentist will likely talk to you about using dental veneers.
The procedure for a dental veneer is similar to that of a dental crown. You will first have an in-depth consultation with your dentist about your smile goals and outcomes. Your dentist will then polish off a thin layer from the front of the teeth receiving the veneers. This thin layer that comes off allows for surface area for the veneers to bond. Dental impressions will then be sent to the lab, where the veneers will be made custom for your smile. The veneers will take about a week to be prepared, and temporary veneers will be placed in the meantime. When the permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will try them in before bonding them on, so any adjustments can be made if necessary. They will be permanently bonded on when you are happy with the look.
Although the lifespan of dental veneers is quite long, 10+ years, they do require care and cleaning, just like your natural teeth. When taken care of properly, you can get a longer lifespan out of your veneers. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Be sure to see your dentist routinely for cleanings.
If you have any questions about dental veneers or think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to contact our office today for a consultation.