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As you begin your New Year, are you in search of a dazzling smile? If so, dental veneers could be the answer for renewing your smile. Veneers can give you a beautiful, star-worthy smile. They are tooth colored shells made to cover your natural teeth and produce a bright, beautiful smile. A cosmetic dental procedure, dental veneers can correct an array of cosmetic defects, from discolored teeth to slightly crooked teeth to gaps in your smile. And with advances in cosmetic dentistry, veneers look even better today! The translucent quality of today's veneers gives a more natural look than what has been available in the past. What are Veneers and How are They Applied? Dental veneers are very thin shells made from tooth-like material that is designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They can either be made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Today, however, most veneers are made of porcelain because of its ability to resist stains better and its light-reflecting quality that is similar to that of natural teeth. Dental veneers are placed on the front of the teeth, concealing imperfections and sometimes changing the size, shape, and length of teeth. With dental veneers, you can smile with confidence once again. Typically, veneers require three dental visits. At your first visit, your dentist in Goodyear and Avondale will discuss whether dental veneers are an appropriate solution for masking your cosmetic dental imperfections. On the second visit, your Goodyear dentist will remove a small amount of enamel - the outer coating of your teeth - to make room for the veneer. Usually only one-half millimeter is removed, which may require local anesthesia. The enamel needs to be trimmed down in order for the tooth to not look too bulky with the addition of the veneer. Dental veneers are used to match other teeth, not stand out. An impression is then taken of your teeth at the second visit, and sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom-made. At the third, and final, visit your dentist in Goodyear and Avondale 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 a good alternative to braces. They can also be used to conceal 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 will cover the stain. Veneers are not appropriate for teeth that have been weakened by decay, fractures, or large fillings. Instead, you may need crowns if your teeth are significantly weakened or dental implants if you have missing teeth. People who clench their jaws and grind their teeth are also poor candidates for veneers since this can cause veneers to crack or chip. Maintain Your Veneers With proper care, dental veneers can last 10 years or longer. However, since veneers are so thin, they can break or even fall off if abused. To minimize the chance of this happening, avoid biting your nails and chewing on pencils, ice, and other hard objects. Continue to maintain good oral hygiene, as brushing and flossing will not harm your new veneers. It is important to practice proper dental hygiene as teeth with veneers can still become decayed, possibly making it necessary to totally cover the tooth with a crown. Regular dental checkups will also help to ensure that your veneers remain strong and flawless-looking. With proper care of your veneers, and good dental health habits, you can enjoy a dazzling smile for years to come. Contact your Goodyear and Avondale dentist today for more information on dental veneers and to see if you are a candidate.
Dr. Thihan Phan, dentist in Goodyear, AZ and Avondale, AZ, of Palo Verde Dentistry has been working with patients to provide the best quality dental care for patients since 2009. After receiving her bachelors degree at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Phan, Avondale and Goodyear, AZ dentist, attended Creighton University School of Dentistry.
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