Do you want to improve your smile? There are many different cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments that are designed to improve the appearance of the teeth. One of those procedures is veneers.
Veneers are thin, shell-like covers for your teeth. Veneers can be made of a variety of materials, but porcelain is the most common because of its strength and natural look. Porcelain veneers can make your teeth look whiter, straighter, and more uniform.
Are you considering porcelain veneers? If so, it can help to know how they work.
Veneers Give Your Teeth a New Facade
Porcelain veneers attach to the front side of your teeth, usually just the teeth in the front of your mouth that show when you smile. Unlike a crown that completely covers a tooth or a dental implant that completely replaces a tooth and its root, veneers only cover the front surface of the existing teeth. Porcelain closely resembles natural tooth enamel for a realistic appearance.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The step by step process of getting porcelain veneers involves:
- Consultation. The first step is always a consultation. Your dentist must first evaluate your teeth and determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for veneers. Your teeth must be generally healthy to be fitted with veneers. If there are cavities or other issues, those must be dealt with first.
- Images. A variety of images will need to be taken to help determine whether your teeth are ready for veneers. Your dentist may take X-Rays and make digital impressions of your teeth to plan your procedure.
- Preparing the teeth. The top layer of enamel will need to be removed to prepare the surface of the teeth for veneers. To help them fit properly and look natural, it is necessary to shave off a layer of enamel the same thickness as the veneer. It also roughs up the surface to help the veneers attach.
- Impressions. Impressions are made of the teeth that are used to create your veneers. Accurate impressions help ensure your veneers will fit properly when they come back from the lab.
- Veneers are made. The porcelain veneers are created in a lab. They are made to the exact specifications given by your dentist so that they will fit properly and match the color and shape of your existing teeth for a natural appearance.
- Veneers are attached. When the veneers come back from the lab, your dentist will try them on you for fit. If they fit properly and you are satisfied with the look, they will be permanently bonded into place.
What Issues Can Veneers Correct?
Veneers can correct a number of superficial tooth defects, including:
- Cracks. Teeth that are mildly cracked can be covered with veneers.
- Chips. Chipped teeth can be covered with veneers to make them appear whole.
- Uneven teeth. If some teeth are longer than others, veneers can make them look uniform.
- Worn teeth. If your teeth are worn down from grinding, veneers can restore their length.
- Crooked teeth. Teeth that are mildly crooked can be covered with veneers to appear properly aligned.
- Gaps. Veneers wrap slightly around the sides of the teeth, which can help to disguise gaps.
- Discolored teeth. Teeth that are severely discolored and cannot be whitened with bleaching can be covered with veneers to appear whiter.
Ready to Try Veneers? Contact Savannah Dental Solutions
Do you think veneers might be right for you? Savannah Dental Solutions can evaluate your teeth and determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate. Porcelain veneers can improve your self confidence, allowing you to smile more in pictures and in your daily activities. Increased self confidence can open many doors for you in life, and veneers are one of the best ways to achieve that. Ready to see what veneers can do for you?
Call (912) 314-1366 or contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you improve your smile.
