Cosmetic Dentistry: Fixing Slightly Crooked Teeth With Veneers

Many people choose cosmetic dentistry to correct teeth irregularities, such as gaps and slight crookedness, for reasons that range from wanting to look great for an important occasion to gaining more self-confidence. Veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that offer a fast way to beautiful teeth for those with minor misalignments, as well as chips and stains. If you are weighing the benefits of veneers, here is an overview of the procedure and what to expect.

What are veneers?

Made with porcelain or a resin composite, veneers are very thin overlays custom-made to fit each tooth. They can be applied to a single tooth or several of them, depending on the patient’s need, and are used to correct a variety of problems:

• Misalignments and unevenness
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Teeth with staining or discoloration
• Worn-down teeth
• Gaps or bulges

Whether they are needed to correct tooth shape, color or size, they improve the mouth’s overall appearance. They are bonded to the patient’s teeth for long-lasting smile enhancement.

The veneer process

In most cases, patients can expect to have veneers placed in two visits, following an initial consultation. Here is an overview of the cosmetic dentistry process for placing veneers.

Initial consultation

At the first meeting, patients should discuss their goals in getting veneers and what problem they hope to correct. Dentists first examine a patient’s mouth to determine if veneers are a good option or whether another solution should be considered, then discuss the procedure and the results that can be expected.

Preparing the patient’s teeth

To get teeth ready for veneers, dentists trim the enamel back, shaving off an amount roughly the same thickness as the veneers or a little less. By trimming the enamel, patients are able to experience veneered teeth that feel much like their natural teeth. Dentists can numb the area, depending on the patient’s sensitivity, prior to trimming. They take impressions of the tooth or teeth to send to a lab that creates veneers. Patients may be fitted with temporary veneers while waiting between two and four weeks for their new veneers.

Bonding veneers to teeth

Dentists first place veneers without cementing to gauge their fit, color and appearance, trimming them as needed. This process is key to achieving natural-looking and well-fitting veneers. Once satisfied they are a good fit, dentists clean and polish the patient’s teeth before etching. Much like a manicurist roughens a fingernail before applying an overlay, etching is what dentists do to roughen the tooth surface. In both cases, this roughening encourages a sturdy bond between natural tooth, or nail, and the covering. Next, veneers are cemented into place, then the bond is hardened using a light.   

Learn more about veneers

For patients with slightly crooked teeth, veneers may be the solution for achieving a straighter, more beautiful smile that gets others to smile, too. Anyone with an upcoming wedding, prom or another big day to celebrate can consider this long-lasting treatment, which delivers picture-worthy results. 

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

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