When you have a cavity, you visit the dentist for a filling. When you have a missing tooth, you get a dental implant or bridge. But what happens when you have a chipped, worn down, misaligned or discolored tooth? You get a veneer.
What Is a Veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain or resin) that bonds to and covers the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. They look like natural teeth, but are more resistant to stains and require removal of less tooth than other options like crowns. They are also customized to have the proper color, shape and size.
Why Choose Veneers?
Veneers fix teeth abnormalities. Whether it’s from natural development or an accident, veneers can correct imperfections by simply covering them. Here are some examples of situations where a veneer would be ideal:
- To fix teeth chipped or broken in an accident, such as a fall, sports injury or car crash.
- To close any natural gaps on one or both sides of a tooth.
- To fix teeth that are irregularly shaped, uneven, misaligned or have bumps or other abnormalities on them.
- To address teeth that have naturally worn down over time.
- To cover teeth that have become discolored due to food or drink stains or chemical reactions from other procedures.
The reason for choosing a veneer could be functional (helps you eat or speak better) or cosmetic (you don’t like the look or feel of a tooth), but a consultation is recommended before you decide.
How Does the Process for Veneers Work?
Once you and your dentist decide that a veneer is right for you, the process can begin. It usually takes three trips to the dentist, but multiple veneers can be processed at the same time. Here is how the process works:
- You visit us for X-rays and impressions of your mouth, so they can determine the proper color, size and shape of the veneer.
- Our dentist trims the tooth the veneer will be covering and creates a model of the veneer.
- A veneer is created to match your tooth.
- The veneer is permanently bonded to the front of your tooth, looking good as new.
If you have any tooth problems like the ones listed above and are considering veneers, schedule a consultation with North Heacock Dental Group today!