Dentist Explains Veneers for Sterling Heights Patients

You smile is one of the first things people glance at. Lots of people are not really happy with exactly how their smile looks due to chips or cracks in teeth, jagged teeth, gaps in between teeth, or even discoloration. In some cases, you might think that the smile you’re looking for exists only in your dreams. The good news is, with veneers, the smile you need no longer has to be a dream.

Exactly what are veneers?

You may or may not have been told about veneers. A veneer is a thin amount of porcelain that is placed over the natural tooth. The veneer provides the looks you desire and adds a small amount of strength to the teeth. An appointment with your dentist and a smile analysis will help you to decide whether a veneer is the proper procedure to accomplish your desired results. After the decision has been made, you are well on the way to a spectacular smile.

Application of veneers

The application of a veneer is often a two appointment process. Your initial appointment includes trimming your teeth and creating a mold. Trimming of your teeth means a tiny layer of the enamel (less than a millimeter) would be removed; this procedure is crucial for the veneer to be properly applied to your tooth and for the veneer to fit correctly into your mouth. A mold of the teeth must be taken so that the veneer can be constructed to fit. Also during this appointment, the color of your veneer is determined by you and your dentist. After the impressions have been created your dentist sends them out to be finished, which typically takes up to 14 days.

For your second visit, you dentist will prepare your tooth for the bonding of the veneer. A dental cement is added to the surface of your tooth and the veneer is put into place. A special light is used to “cure” the dental cement. When your veneer is bonded in its place, your dentist will clean-up any other cement and polish the new veneer.

A third, follow-up appointment is typical for your dentist to consult with you on overall satisfaction with the appearance and to also check for any issues.

Why you should get veneers

Everyone’s smile is different and there are many cosmetic reasons people get veneers. Popular reasons for veneers are:

Replacing chips or cracks
Filling in gaps
Straightening crooked teeth
Lightening discolored teeth

Primary advantages of veneers

Veneers are shaped for each individual so it will be very difficult to tell the difference between real teeth and those covered with a veneer due to the translucency of the porcelain being similar to the translucency of tooth enamel. They also require less enamel to be removed than a crown. Discolorations from coffee or tea are no longer something you need to stress about and there is no special care needed for them, just normal flossing and brushing with regular appointments with your dentist.

A porcelain veneer is expected to last around 15 years.

Are you looking for a dentist in Ray Township, Michigan? If you would like a dentist who cares about your overall well being, HPS Advanced Dental Care is the office for you!