If you’re looking for a white, straight, sparkling smile, veneers may be the answer for you. Porcelain veneers are a non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that corrects many imperfections, including chipped, cracked, or stained teeth. So, if you’re wondering, “Are veneers right for me?” keep reading to learn more about this popular option.

What are veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re used to improve the appearance of your smile by changing the color, shape, or size of your teeth. Veneers are a great option for stained, cracked, chipped, damaged, or crooked teeth. They can even conceal gaps or uneven spaces between teeth.

The ceramic used in porcelain veneers is strong, durable, and resistant to staining. They are customized to match the color of your natural teeth and even mimic the translucency of tooth enamel.

What is the process of getting veneers?

Getting veneers is a multi-step process that occurs over two to three dental visits.

At the initial checkup and consultation, your dentist will evaluate your smile and see if you’re a good candidate for veneers. Any dental work needed will be taken care of first.

Next, your dentist will prep your teeth for veneers by shaving a very thin layer of enamel off the front of your teeth – less than the thickness of your fingernail. Then, they will take an impression of your teeth and create a set of temporary veneers that will stay on until the permanent ones arrive.

Once the final porcelain veneers are sculpted and customized, the temporary veneers are removed, and a bonding dental adhesive is applied to your teeth. The permanent veneers are then carefully applied, and your new smile is ready to show off! With proper care, veneers can last 15 years or more.

Are veneers right for you?

Veneers are one of the least invasive cosmetic dental procedures available. However, some factors can prevent you from being a good candidate. These include:

• Significant structural tooth damage
• Habitual jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Gum disease
• Crossbite or underbite
• Poor oral hygiene or excessive cavities
• Severe tooth crowding

Learn More: Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Schedule Your Appointment with Atkins & Anderson DDS Today

So, how do you know if dental veneers are right for you? The best way to find out is by talking to your dentist.

The experienced team at Atkins & Anderson DDS provides a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dental services so you can have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. If you’re considering veneers or have other questions about your oral health, contact us today for a consultation.

From subtle changes to major oral surgery, modern cosmetic dentistry works to improve the appearance of your smile through one or more procedures. Most cosmetic dental procedures are non-essential, but they can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest change can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in dentistry, cosmetic procedures can range from a basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry differs from general or restorative dentistry procedures in that they are elected as opposed to required. You may be asking, “Why would someone elect for dental work that isn’t necessarily going to improve their health?” The answer is quality of life. It is hard to understate the importance of a beautiful smile; according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of adults believe that a smile is an important social asset. If you weren’t blessed with naturally perfect teeth or gorgeous pearly whites, you’re not alone. Cosmetic Dentistry has the power to boost your appearance and overall self-confidence. An enhanced appearance often leads directly to improved self-confidence. A better smile can change the way people perceive you and behave around you. Simple activities like meeting new people, going on dates, and attending parties may become easier due to your improved self-confidence. A smile is so much more than a smile when it impacts a person’s confidence and perhaps even their sense of self-worth.

What Options Are Available?

Now that you know the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, you may be wondering about the various treatments available. Devices and procedures are available to improve the color, shape, size, and position of teeth.

• Teeth Whitening: This procedure brightens teeth that are discolored or stained, and can be done in a dentist’s office or at home dependent upon your dentist’s recommendations.
• Bonding: This is to repair small chips or cracks by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface.
• Veneers: These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.
• Tooth Reshaping: This procedure involves changing the teeth to improve their appearance by modifying or removing enamel.
• Braces and Clear Aligners: These move teeth into the right position.
• Crown lengthening: This minor surgery can fix lost tooth structure and/or missing teeth by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s crown and give the appearance of longer teeth.

How Can We Help You?

The skill and experience of the dentist you select can impact the outcome of your cosmetic dentistry work. At Anderson and Atkins DDS, our trained dentists specialize in various forms of cosmetic dentistry and can help you explore the pros and cons of each procedure so that you can find a solution that helps you achieve your perfect smile. We offer custom at-home bleaching trays, bleaching strips, aesthetic composite bonding, veneers, and crowns, and are looking to expand into in-office bleaching by next Spring. Our dentists and office staff are happy to field any questions regarding aesthetics and what the best treatment plan will be for you as each patient’s needs are different. It’s important to understand that what works for one patient may not be right for you. For example, if a patient has fillings in their front teeth and decides to bleach, the fillings won’t bleach (only the teeth); in these cases, we must consider alternative whitening methods. On the other hand, “Bonding” is a hot word for patients when it comes to aesthetics, but it is simply filling material we put on the outside of their teeth to help with aesthetics. This can be a good, more affordable, option for a lot of people, but bonding can discolor over time whereas veneers, although more expensive, can last longer.

The Bottom Line

With today’s emphasis on youth and appearance, cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular than ever. While not many people have naturally perfect teeth, almost anyone can attain a dazzling smile with the help of a dentist. For more information about how Anderson & Atkins, DDS can help you obtain the smile of your dreams, or if you have any questions about our practice, please feel free to contact our office at (979) 846-1813 or email us at info@craigandersondds.com.

 

Sources: https://www.123dentist.com/everything-want-know-cosmetic-dentistry/
http://www.drcurtiskaiser.com/treatment/cosmetic-dentistry
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=300&aid=1196