subject: Dental Veneers For An Amazing Smile [print this page] Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that help millions of Americans to attain a bright and healthy smile. Every aspect of the human body is amazing, and our teeth are the perfect balance of form and function. Before we even open our mouths, our teeth are the principle reason for our good looks, and the human smile is universally recognized as warm and appealing. One cannot overstate the importance of healthy teeth.
Our teeth are the first step in the process of converting food into energy, a vital role in sustaining our life. We use them every day, and as time goes by, they will show signs of wear. Eventually, they will become discolored and lose their shape; they can also crack, chip, and even fall out. Like the tires on our car, the teeth are going to wear down even when we maintain them properly. It is simple physics.
Dental veneers are made of materials that resemble the color and luster of teeth and are designed to cover the surface of a tooth to restore its natural appearance. The most commonly used materials are composite resin and porcelain. Porcelain veneers are preferred for a more natural look because porcelain will mimic the luster of natural teeth and will be much more resistant to staining. However, composite resin has its benefits in being a lower priced alternative to porcelain and the convenience of being crafted and applied in one dental visit.
Your cosmetic dentist will help you decide which material is best for you. Veneers are very thin and they are designed to take on the shape and color of your own teeth at their healthiest and brightest. Every veneer is custom made. Once the veneers are crafted, you dentist will bond them to the prepared existing teeth, restoring the look of teeth that have been worn down, misaligned, discolored, cracked, chipped, or abnormally spaced.
There are usually 3 steps to obtaining dental veneers, which are accomplished in 1-2 visits. The first step is the initial consultation where you and your cosmetic dentist will discuss your goals to restore your smile. Your dentist will complete an examination and determine if dental veneers are appropriate in your case. During the second step, your dentist prepares the surface of your tooth or teeth, and makes an impression to send out to the dental lab that will craft your veneers.
Some cosmetic dentists have the capability to create resin veneers right in their office and can apply them right then and there. The final step is the application of the veneer. The dentist will examine and adjust its fit, bond the veneer to the tooth and make a final check to evaluate your bite. You will be asked to make a follow-up visit after a few weeks to ensure that your gums are in continued good health.
