At Greater Dental Health, a veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that fits over a tooth to alter its color, shape, or size. Each veneer is custom-made to fit a patient’s tooth and designed to look completely natural in the patient’s mouth. Veneers often correct minor cosmetic imperfections such as stains, chipping, or misshapen teeth. While veneers are durable enough to resist staining from coffee, wine, and other common foods and beverages, they are not meant to last indefinitely because they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers can last up to ten years or more before needing to be replaced. Patients who want to prolong the life of their veneers and maintain them in their best condition should practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

The Procedure for Veneers

Before applying a veneer, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to ensure this treatment is proper. If you have any underlying oral health concerns, these should be addressed before moving forward. Once it has been determined that you are a candidate for this procedure, the dental team will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab where your veneer will be made. The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the veneer and then reshape it to match the rest of your smile. Finally, they will apply a bonding agent to the veneer’s front surface and use a special light to harden the material into position. This entire process can be completed in as little as one visit, though some patients may need to come back for a follow-up appointment if adjustments are required. Once your veneers are in place, you can care for them like your other teeth by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary foods and beverages that can cause tooth decay.

The Benefits of Veneers

Veneers can give you a smile that is more uniform, straighter, and whiter than you currently have. They are also stain resistant, so you will not have to worry about staining your morning coffee. They can help disguise chipped, cracked, or worn teeth and minor misalignments or gaps between your teeth. Some patients get veneers to close small gaps in their smiles, while others get veneers for more comprehensive cosmetic improvements. These thin shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to give you the desired appearance. Since they are made custom to fit you, they look natural and do not stand out from the rest of your smile.

Veneers are custom-made for each patient, and it blends in with the surrounding teeth and feels natural. For more information, visit Greater Dental Health at 5210 Town Center Blvd Suite 310, Floor 2, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, or call (470) 508-0044.