There are several options for improving your smile, but opting for dental veneers has many advantages.
A dental veneer is a thin covering that is placed directly over the visible part of the front teeth. Veneers may be used to lighten front teeth that are discolored and sometimes can be utilized to correct teeth that are chipped or worn. Additionally, dental veneers may be able to correct uneven spaces or a noticeable gap between the upper front teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneer Advantages
At Whispering Pines Dental we place porcelain veneers to achieve your perfect smile. The following are advantages of porcelain dental veneers:
- Strong and durable
- Smooth and translucent surface provides a natural appearance
- Resistant to staining
Steps to Place Porcelain Veneers:
- We will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth when necessary. This makes room for the new veneer and prevents a bulky, unnatural look.
- Next, we will make an impression of the prepared teeth and form a model of your mouth.
- After determining your proper shade, the impressions and models are sent to a dental laboratory that custom makes the porcelain veneers to fit your individual teeth.
- At the next visit to our office, we will place the veneers on the teeth and check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite Resin Veneer Advantages
At Whispering Pines Dental, Dr. Julie Pruneski also places composite veneers. The following are some advantages of Composite Resin Veneers:
- May require removal of less tooth structure than is necessary with Porcelain Veneers
- May mean fewer visits to our office
- Easy to replace if damaged (however, they are not nearly as strong as Porcelain Veneers)
Steps to Place Composite Veneers
- After the tooth is prepared or reshaped, we will carefully bond and sculpt the composite material in a shade that most closely matches your teeth.
- A special curing light is used to harden the composite material.
- The veneer is then smoothed and polished to look like a natural tooth.
Other Considerations in Choosing Dental Veneers
- There will be a period of adjustment, when you will become accustomed to the feel of your restored teeth.
- Although veneers generally require little removal of tooth enamel, the process is not reversible once the enamel is removed.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, dental veneers may chip or break. To prevent this, we will need to have a dental night guard made for you to wear while sleeping.
- As dental veneers resemble tooth enamel, they can chip just like real teeth. Avoid chewing on ice, biting your fingernails, and chewing on hard objects.
- Like any dental restoration, veneers wear over time and may become dislodged and require a new veneer.
- Your teeth must be healthy and free of decay and periodontal disease prior to placing any dental veneers
Check out our Gallery of Smiles to view before and after pictures of Porcelain Veneers, Composite Veneer, and Lumineers cases.