The First Step of a Veneers Smile Makeover

A smile makeover enhances the appearance of the teeth to cover imperfections and improve confidence. For those with chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned teeth, veneers may be an effective solution for achieving a bright, healthy-looking smile.

How are veneers placed in the mouth?

Typically made of porcelain or a composite resin material, veneers are a thin covering placed over the visible part of the tooth. For a smile makeover that includes veneers, the procedure depends on the material used. Either way, the dentist prepares teeth by removing a small amount of the enamel from the front and sides of each tooth. This allows for the room necessary for the veneer to make all teeth look natural.

If the veneers are porcelain, once the teeth are prepared, the dentist makes a mold and determines the tooth shade that suits the patient. Using this mold, the lab creates custom veneers tailored to a specific patient. At the next visit, the dentist places the veneers, checks the fit, makes adjustments, and then bonds them to the teeth.

Composite resin veneers require similar shaping and preparation as the porcelain option. However, less tooth enamel must be removed. The dentist selects the color that works for the patient, then sculpts the material to the proper size and shape. A special light hardens the composite, bonding it to the teeth. The final step involves smoothing and polishing the veneers to look like natural teeth.

What are the benefits of veneers?

A smile makeover that includes veneers offers several benefits to patients.

Appearance

One of the most apparent benefits is appearance. Many people are disappointed after using tooth whitening agents due to poor or short-lived results. Coffee, red wine, berries, and other deep-colored foods can cause discoloration, and certain medications, smoking, and strong mouthwashes can also stain teeth in ways that even professional whitening treatments cannot remove. Instead, veneers can permanently cover intrinsic stains.

Patients with small or malformed teeth can also use veneers to make these teeth match the size and shape of the others for a beautiful smile. Since the procedure is tailored to each patient, the cosmetic restoration looks and feels like natural teeth.

Durability

Veneers are less prone to damage than natural teeth. Porcelain can last more than a decade, and composite may last up to seven years. However, the lifespan can be affected by certain behaviors such as teeth grinding or fingernail biting.

Fast results

Unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures, the transformation offered by veneers is complete in weeks instead of months. Depending on the patient’s teeth and the condition of the teeth, the process could be finished in two visits.

Conclusion

A smile makeover can help improve confidence and maintain mouth health. Veneers prevent stains and stop decay from settling into cracked teeth or in the gap between teeth. They require the same upkeep as natural teeth, so no additional care is needed to maintain a beautiful smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

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