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Perfect Your Smile with Dental Veneers

A great smile does more than enhance your looks. It can boost your confidence and help you feel good about yourself. Your teeth may have become damaged due to an injury or accident. Your teeth may be misaligned or misshapen. Teeth may be worn down or have large gaps between them. Dental veneers can fix these issues easily. Veneers are easy for your doctor to apply, and with proper care they will last several years.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are also known as dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers. They are very thin custom made shells which cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the shape, size, color, or length of your natural teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are created from resin composite materials or porcelain. Porcelain is a good choice because it has the same light reflecting properties as your natural teeth and resists stains. Dr. Taylor will discuss your options and suggest the right type of veneers for your situation.

What Does Getting Veneers Involve?

Usually it takes three visits to the doctor to get your veneers. At the first visit your doctor will ask you questions about your general health, habits, and discuss with you the reason you want veneers. X-rays and digital images of your teeth and mouth will be taken, and your doctor may take impressions of your teeth.

At your next visit the doctor will prepare your teeth for receiving veneers. For the veneers to fit onto your teeth about ½ millimeter of enamel must be removed. This is about the same thickness of your new veneers. (You can discuss with your doctor the need for a local anesthetic before the procedure begins so you will be relaxed and comfortable.) After the enamel is removed, an impression of your teeth will be taken and sent off to the dental lab so they can craft your new veneers. In about two to four weeks your new veneers will be ready.

Once the veneers are ready you will return to the office. Your doctor will temporarily place the veneer onto your tooth to check the fit and color. Dr. Taylor may remove and trim the veneer several times to get just the right fit and look. Once she is ready to place the veneer the tooth is cleaned, polished, and etched. This is done so the tooth is a bit rough which aids in the bonding process.

A special cement is applied to your tooth, the veneer is placed, and then a special light is used to activate the chemicals in the cement causing it to harden and bond to your tooth and veneer. Finally, any excess cement is removed and final adjustments are made. This process is repeated for each tooth to receive a veneer. Once completed you will have a new smile.

You will return to the office after a few weeks so the doctor can check the fit of the veneer and check how your gums are responding to them. You should care for your new veneers just like your natural teeth by keeping up with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. With proper care your new veneers can last up to 15 years.

Veneers are an easy and pain free way to correct and enhance your smile. Call or contact us today and ask about how veneers can help you have the smile of your dreams.