Veneers
What are Veneers?
What are veneers? Dental veneers can be a great way to improve the appearance of teeth that have superficial damage or discoloration. These wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored material are used to completely cover the visible surfaces of teeth.
Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for simply improving your smile. When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea or other staining agents. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
How Can Veneers Improve My Smile?
With veneers, we can correct:
- teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching
- chipped or worn teeth
- crooked or misshapen teeth
- uneven spaces or gaps between the front teeth.
How Would I Look with Veneers?
Would you like to see how veneers could enhance YOUR smile? Call our office for an appointment. We can take a photo of your current smile and image it on the computer to show what you would look like with veneers. We can even print these images out so you can take them home to show your family and friends. Our patient’s comment that the final result is even better than the picture.
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers are ideal for anyone with cosmetic issues or minor damage that affects the front surfaces of teeth. Veneers can be used to change the color, shape, size or length of teeth, making them useful for a wide range of situations. They are appropriate for adults of any age.
The Veneer Procedure: An Overview
Getting porcelain veneers starts with a complete dental examination. It is vital to ensure there are no serious dental problems ongoing that might interfere with the process. A cleaning should be performed, as well as a full set of dental x-rays. Impressions of the mouth may also be made.
After this, your dentist removes a tiny amount of enamel from the tooth surface. This amount is about as thick as the veneer and allows it to be bonded closely to the tooth. Local anesthesia is used and a new impression of the affected tooth is made.
A specialized dental laboratory fabricates the veneer in two to four weeks.
Once the veneer is ready, it is temporarily bonded to the tooth to examine its fit and color. This is repeated several times as adjustments are made. The tooth is cleaned, polished and etched, and the final veneer is applied. Two follow-ups are usually scheduled, the first in two weeks.
Ongoing Care for Your Veneers
Although veneers do protect against decay processes in the areas covered by them, they are not primarily meant to stop cavities. Plaque can still build up in the back of the tooth, the gum line and so on. With that in mind, it’s crucial to continue brushing and flossing regularly.
How long do veneers last? Quality porcelain veneers typically last up to 15 years. On the other hand, composite resin veneers will last five to seven years on average. As veneers reach the end of their lifespan, it is important to make preparations to have them replaced.
How much do veneers cost? It depends on a number of factors. Porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than composite resin veneers. Many patients prefer porcelain veneers because they last longer and offer superior aesthetics. They also blend in very well with the natural color of teeth.
The benefits of porcelain veneers rely on having them applied by an expert dentist. When you choose Masterpiece Smiles by Dr. Michael Frith, you’re getting the highest quality of cosmetic dentistry in Missouri by an accredited cosmetic dentist. For a free consultation, just contact us today.
You also will have the reassurance that Dr. Frith is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Less than 1% of dentists in the world have this credential. He was the first in St. Louis to receive this honor.
