Types of Cosmetic Veneers and How they Enhance Your Smile
If you're looking to enhance your smile, one simple option is veneers. Cosmetic veneers are thin coverings the dentist places over the visible, front part of your teeth. They appear just like your natural teeth and are used often to correct a large range of dental problems, including:
Crooked and misshapen teeth
Stained teeth that bleaching won't effectively whiten
A large gap or uneven spaces between your upper front teeth
Worn or chipped teeth
Dental veneers are made of either composite resin or porcelain material. They are durable and strong, immediately improve your smile and look like natural teeth.
Types of Veneers
There are two primary types of veneer teeth. These are:
1. Composite Veneers
Over the years, composite resin use has become quite common in cosmetic and restorative dental procedures because of its:
Strength
Versatility
Aesthetic appeal
It's the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. Dentists use it to fill chips and cracks and even for crafting full veneers. Composite resin provides you with a quick, low-cost solution for your cosmetic dental needs. Keep in mind, veneers made from composite resin might not last as long as porcelain veneers and can be damaged easier than certain porcelain counterparts.
Benefits of composite resin veneers include:
Might require fewer dental visits; in some cases, composite veneers could take only one visit
Typically, less tooth enamel has to be removed when compared to porcelain veneers or crowns
Simple and quick to fix if they become damaged
Cost less than porcelain veneers
2. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain has been used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for a long time because it matches the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain is strong and helps you chew your food. It lasts for a while in your mouth. It's a high-quality ceramic and like your natural teeth, reflects light which gives them a convincing and flawless aesthetic. The dentist hand-crafts porcelain veneers to perfectly match your teeth, giving the exact look you want.
Benefits of porcelain veneers include:
They're long-lasting and strong
Less tooth enamel requires removal than with a cap or crown
They have a surface that's natural-looking
They don't stain easily
Why Choose Cosmetic Veneers?
Some top reasons for considering dental veneers are:
They Address Multiple Cosmetic Problems
Veneer teeth can help with dental health and cosmetic problems as well as treat multiple issues at once. Some common reasons people go with veneers is to:
Fix alignment issues
Close spaces and gaps between the teeth
Cover discolored or stained teeth and whiten a smile
Change the overall appearance and shape of a tooth
Cover cracked or chipped teeth
If you have teeth already weakened and worn down, dental veneers can cover them up with a tooth-colored, thin shell, which helps prevent further damage.
It's a Simple Process
Getting veneers is an easy and quick process. You have just a few brief visits at the dentist's office and you start seeing results. Typically, the veneer process only takes a few weeks to complete - not months or years.
Durability
Dental veneers are very durable, too. They last longer than standard composite fillings. If you decide on dental veneers, you'll have peace of mind that you're choosing the option that will provide you with a new, beautiful smile for years to come.
How the Procedure for Cosmetic Veneers Works
Typically, you're looking at around three appointments for a complete porcelain veneer process. Your first appointment will be a consultation with the dentist to decide if you're an ideal candidate for dental veneers. Through the use of a dental imaging program, you'll be able to preview what your smile with custom veneers will look like.
During your next appointment, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and get them prepared to be fitted with the veneers. The dentist will remove about a millimeter of your original tooth enamel to make room to fit the veneer in your mouth and restore natural tooth function accurately. Unlike with procedures like dental crowns, with dental veneers, your natural teeth are left greatly intact. The dentist will then fit you with temporary dental veneers while you're waiting for your permanent veneers to be crafted in the specialty lab to fit your smile. Until your permanent veneers are placed, the temporary veneers help keep your teeth comfortable and prevent sensitivity.
During your last visit, the dentist removes the temporary veneers and places the permanent ones. Once they ensure they look and fit good, they permanently bond them to your teeth. You may have follow-up visits if adjustments are needed.
You don't have to deal with cracked, chipped or stained teeth. Contact Us at Charlotte Dental Esthetics by calling (704) 327-3258 to schedule your appointment for your cosmetic veneer procedure.