April 11, 2023
Do you stare at your teeth in the mirror and wish they were a little brighter or a little straighter? You can make this happen with a family dentist in Murfreesboro, TN. If your smile has always been one of your winning features, but now it don’t look as bright and attractive as it used to, veneers might be a good fix.
Did you know veneer application is the reason behind those coveted celebrity smile transformations? Jordyn Woods, Emma Watson, and Cardi B. are a few A-listers who achieved perfect teeth with veneers.
Because of their versatility and convenience, veneers have become the top dental cosmetic treatment of choice in America and worldwide.
Why Should You Choose Dental Veneers?
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer can permanently change the look of your smile. It’s an ultra-thin shell that your cosmetic dentist applies on the front surface (sometimes the back in the case of a palatal veneer) of your tooth to conceal a chip, crack, or discoloration. It can also close minor tooth gaps to create an even and straighter smile. It can be made from porcelain or composite resin.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
Different types of veneers are available, each with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of veneers are the following:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most common type of veneer. In fact, it is hailed as the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry. They are made from durable, high-quality porcelain custom-designed to accurately fit your tooth so that it looks natural. Porcelain veneers are famed for their ability to mimic the natural translucency of teeth, giving your smile a more realistic and natural look.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are also in demand. They are made from a tooth-colored resin material applied directly to the tooth's surface.
Unlike porcelain veneers that are custom-made in a dental laboratory, composite veneers can be created directly in the dental office. As such, they are faster and more convenient. Another benefit of composite resin is they are considerably more affordable compared to porcelain.
However, because of the price difference, you can’t expect them to share the same durability as porcelain. You may need to have your composite veneers replaced more frequently.
Instant Veneers
Instant veneers are new. What’s fascinating is that they can be applied in just one visit to the dentist. These are pre-made veneers custom-fit to your tooth right on the spot. Dentists use composite resin to make them. They are a perfect solution for patients looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly smile transformation.
Lumineers
Lumineers are wafer-thin veneers made from special porcelain. Like traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers are tailored to fit the unique specifications of your tooth. However, because they are thinner than other types of veneers, they require less tooth preparation before application. This is beneficial for patients who want to preserve as much of their natural tooth structure as possible.
Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are different from the usual veneers you’re familiar with. Instead of applying them on the front, your cosmetic dentist attaches them to the back of your teeth. They are typically made from porcelain and can address tooth discoloration, shape, or spacing issues.
Palatal veneers are less commonly used than other types of veneers but can be a good option for patients with specific dental concerns.
What Is The Process of Getting Veneers?
The process of getting veneers is just like getting dental fillings.
If you are interested in getting veneers, it is important to understand the process involved to make an informed decision. The following is a step-by-step guide to the veneer process:
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
It starts with a consultation with your trusted cosmetic dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and determine if you qualify for the procedure. They may take X-rays and make impressions of your teeth to help create a customized treatment plan.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Once your dentist decides you’re a good candidate, the next step is to prepare your teeth. This typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make space for the veneers. It will be painless since your dentist will numb the site with a local anesthetic and then use a dental drill to remove some parts of the enamel.
Step 3: Impression and Design
Once they are ready, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. For porcelain veneers, the impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where your veneers are fabricated. Your dentist will also work with you to design the veneers' shape, size, and color to match your natural teeth and enhance your smile.
Step 4: Temporary Veneers
While the permanent veneers are being crafted in the lab, your dentist will provide you with temporary veneers to wear. These temporary veneers are typically made of resin and are designed to protect your teeth while the permanent veneers are still being made.
Step 5: Veneer Placement
When your final veneers are ready, you will be asked to return to the office for the final fitting and placement. Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and clean your teeth to prepare for the new veneers. They will then use a special adhesive to attach the veneers to your teeth, positioning them carefully to create a natural and even appearance.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
After the veneers are in place, your dentist will make final adjustments to ensure they fit comfortably in your mouth and look natural when you smile. This may involve shaping the veneers or tweaking the color to match your surrounding teeth.
Step 7: Follow-Up Care
Once your veneers are in place, following proper dental hygiene habits is important to keep them in perfect condition. You are expected to follow the proper brushing and flossing techniques and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. With proper care, veneers can last for decades.
What Makes Them a Great Choice?
Veneers offer a wide range of benefits for patients who want to transform the appearance of their teeth. Here are some of the reasons why veneers are a great option:
- Improved Appearance: Veneers can transform the entire look of your smile by covering up imperfections such as discoloration, chips, cracks, or gaps. This results in a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Long-Lasting Results: Veneers are made of durable materials that can withstand normal wear and tear, making them a long-lasting solution for improving the appearance of your teeth.
- Minimally Invasive: Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments such as crowns or implants, veneers require minimal removal of the tooth surface, making them a less invasive option.
- Stain-Resistant: Veneers are resistant to stains from food and drink, meaning that they will maintain their bright, white appearance for a longer time than natural teeth.
- Versatility: These shells can be customized to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, meaning that they can be used to address a wide range of dental concerns.
- Natural-Looking Results: Modern veneers are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile that blends in with your existing teeth
- Improved Confidence: By improving the appearance of your teeth, veneers can help boost your self-confidence and overall quality of life.
- Easy Maintenance: Veneers require no special maintenance beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, making them a convenient option for patients who want to improve their smile without significant lifestyle changes.
- Quick Results: They dramatically improve the appearance of your smile in just a few visits to the dentist, making them a quick and effective solution.
- Durability: Veneers are strong, long-lasting, and withstand daily wear and tear. With proper care, they can last for many years. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are highly durable and can last up to 20 years.
Are Veneers Right for You?
Deciding whether veneers are the right choice for you depends on your needs and preferences. Veneers can address various dental concerns and offer many benefits, but they are not for everyone.
It is vital to consult with a licensed dentist to discuss your options and determine if veneers are a good fit for your oral health and cosmetic goals. Factors such as the condition of your natural teeth, your oral hygiene habits, and your budget will also play a role in determining whether veneers are a suitable treatment option.
Consult With Our Family Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN
Veneers are popular for many reasons. The wide range of benefits they offer makes them one of the most coveted procedures in the dental industry.
They are a long-lasting, versatile, and natural-looking solution that can provide quick results with minimal invasiveness. You can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile lasting for years by choosing veneers.
Stonetrace Family Dental offers a wide range of affordable dental treatments to give you a smile you deserve. You can depend on our skilled and experienced team to care for your oral health. Contact us for a consultation.