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If you are looking for an alluring smile, dental veneers could be an appropriate solution for your smile restoration. Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells made to cover your natural teeth to produce a bright, beautiful smile. Veneers are used to correct an array of cosmetic defects, including discolored teeth, slightly crooked teeth and gaps in your smile. With the advances in dentistry, veneers look even better today with the translucent quality of today's veneers giving a more natural look than what has been available in the past. How do Veneers Work and How are They Applied? Dental veneers are thin shells of ceramic, a tooth-like material, and are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They can be made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Today, most veneers are made of porcelain as this material has been proven to resist stains better and maintain a light-reflecting quality similar to that of natural teeth. Dental veneers are placed on the front of the teeth to conceal imperfections and sometimes changing the size, shape and length of teeth. Typically, dental veneers require three dental visits: Consultation, Preparation and Completion. At the first visit, your dentist in Baltimore will discuss whether dental veneers are an appropriate cosmetic dentistry procedure for your smile restoration. The second visit will consist of the removal of a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer. Usually only one-half millimeter is removed, which could require the use of local anesthesia. The enamel is trimmed down in order to make room for the veneers and to make sure the tooth doesn't look too bulky. An impression is then taken of the teeth and sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom made for your individual teeth. At the final visit, your Baltimore dentist will attach the veneers to your teeth with a special adhesive material. Are You a Candidate? If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers can be an alternative to braces. Veneers can also be used for concealing chipping, cracks, or uneven teeth. In addition, veneers are perfect for teeth that don't respond to whitening. Some people have dark stains that don't bleach well, but a veneer can easily cover the stain. Veneers are not appropriate for teeth that have been weakened by decay, fractures, or large fillings. You may need dental crowns instead of veneers if your teeth are significantly weakened, or if you have missing teeth. People who clench their jaws or grind their teeth are also poor candidates for veneers as this can cause veneers to crack or chip. Taking Care of Your Veneers With proper care, your veneers have the potential to last for up to 10 years or longer. Since veneers are so thin, they can break or even fall off if abused. To minimize the chance of damage to your new dental veneers, avoid biting your nails, chewing on pencils, ice, and other hard objects. Brushing and flossing will not harm them, so continue to take proper care of your teeth to maintain oral hygiene. Your teeth still can become decayed, possibly making it necessary to cover the tooth with a crown for protection. Regular dental checkups with also help to ensure your veneers stay strong and flawless for longer. With proper care of your veneers and the maintenance of dental health habits, you can enjoy a dazzling smile for years. Talk to your Baltimore cosmetic dentist today for further diagnosis and treatment of your smile blemishes. With a proper consultation, your dentist will decide if dental veneers are an appropriate solution for your smile restoration.
Dr. K. Michael Murphy and Associates is a multi-specialty practice establish by Dr. K. Michael Murphy, Baltimore prosthodontist, in March of 1991. It now includes Drs. Alexandra Welzel, and Dawn Merguerian, as well as a part-time endodontist, providing services in Baltimore veneers, sedation and dental implants.
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