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What dental issues can dental veneers fix?

Dental veneers can remedy a number of cosmetic dentistry issues, unlike whitening treatments that can only remedy stained or discolored teeth. In addition to brightening the shade of your natural teeth, dental veneers can also:

• Repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken
• Fix poor spacing or the appearance of gaps in between teeth
• Improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored due to the use of antibiotics such as tetracycline or the overuse of fluoride
• Improve the appearance and condition of teeth that have been worn down
• Improve teeth that have been misaligned or are irregularly shaped
• Strengthen teeth that have become weakened for a number of reasons

Dental veneers have an additional benefit to traditional whitening treatments; they are stain resistant, meaning you will not have to frequently use whitening kits or solutions to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful. Dental veneers are also long-lasting; when good oral hygiene practices are followed the shells can last for as long as 10 years.

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What is the application process for dental veneers?

Before you can have dental veneers placed on your teeth, your dentist will first need to correct any existing dental issues that cannot be remedied by the veneers. They will also check to ensure you are a good candidate for having dental veneers put onto your teeth. Once this is done, your dentist will take an impression or mold of your teeth and sent this off to a dental laboratory, where your dental veneers will be made. This process takes between three and four weeks. At your second appointment, your dentist will first do a trial fit of your veneers to ensure they fit properly and are the correct shade. If everything appears fine, he will then use a permanent dental cement to adhere the dental veneers to your teeth. A special light may be used to quickly harden the cement, and any excess will be removed. Your dentist will then check once again to ensure that your bite is correct before allowing you to leave.

Dental veneers are permanent, but you will still need to maintain proper oral hygiene practices and a regular bi-annual schedule of dental visits. This will allow your dentist to ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and remain free from damage.

If you have questions about dental veneers or would like to know if you might be a good candidate, please call our office at 310-378-9241 to schedule a consultation appointment. Our caring and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have.