Do you ever wish your teeth were a little bit longer? Perhaps they seem too short or “stubby” for the rest of your face. Unfortunately, while you cannot make them grow or wave a wand so they magically appear larger, cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers can get you pretty close! Here’s how this procedure works, and how it can make your smile bigger and brighter than you may have thought possible!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that fit over your existing teeth to change their shape, spacing, color, and size. They are completely customizable to exact shade of white you want, and with proper care can last 15 or more years. With veneers, you can completely transform your smile in as little as two visits to your dentist, and yes, you can even make teeth that are too small appear much bigger!
What Happens During Treatment for Veneers?
To get veneers, you’ll first need to visit your dentist for a consultation. He or she will examine your mouth and make sure you have no untreated oral health issues like cavities or gum disease that could make your veneers unsuccessful. If you do have any problems present, your dentist will work with you to correct them first.
Once your mouth is healthy, or if it was to begin with, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth for your new veneers to be made from. Then, they will remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth undergoing treatment, and place temporary veneers on them for protection. Your impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your new veneers will be customized to your exact specifications. In approximately two weeks, your new prosthetics will be completed and sent to your dentist’s office, where you will return to have the temporary shells removed and the new ones attached.
You will be able to immediately begin using your new veneers with no downtime. You can even smile, speak, and eat without any restrictions!
How Do I Care for Veneers?
The great news about veneers is that they are as easy to care for as your untreated teeth. Be sure to brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss daily. They have the amazing benefit of being stain resistant, so you can still enjoy a wide range of foods and beverages; however, because they are not real teeth be aware that whitening products and toothpastes do not work on them, so if they do become discolored you should speak to your dentist about having them replaced or re-shaded.
Be careful eating anything too hard or crunchy like ice cubes or hard candies with veneers. Furthermore, never use them (or your untreated teeth) as tools. That means no biting your fingernails, tearing open packaging, or using them for any reason other than eating.
Remember, with proper care and use, your veneers can make your teeth larger, whiter, and more evenly spaced for 15 or more years. To get started on this treatment and finally get the bolder, more impactful smile you’ve been dreaming of, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Crownridge Dental, Dr. Pham and Dr. Nunez want you to have the bigger, bolder smile you’ve been dreaming of with the help of durable, beautiful veneers! Whether you’ve got spacing issues, want to change the color of your teeth, wish they were bigger, or all of the above, this dynamic treatment can give you the gorgeous grin you deserve in as little as two appointments. To schedule a consultation for veneers, visit our website or call us today at 210-981-6018.