Dental veneers are an ideal way to quickly change the look of your smile, with the added benefit of protecting the health of your teeth and gums. Placing dental veneers is a minimally invasive and relatively quick procedure that can drastically boost your confidence. If you’re wondering if veneers are right for you, call your dentist today.
At Columbia Smiles Family Dentistry, we can help you determine if veneers are the right option for you. Call our team at 410.690.4855 today to schedule a consultation for dental veneers and begin the journey toward a brighter, more confident smile.
What Are Dental Veneers?
What do dental veneers do? Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that cover the front of the teeth, giving a more uniform look to your smile. The coverings look like natural teeth and are designed to match your existing ones, or they can be designed to create an entirely new smile. Veneers work by covering minor imperfections, such as chips, stains, or gaps in the teeth. They are custom-made for each patient to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance.
Many people with chipped or worn teeth opt for veneers to cover their imperfections. Alternatively, some individuals choose veneers to simply fill in gaps in their smile.
Dental veneers are also used to cover stained teeth that cannot be whitened. While some surface stains that result from food or beverage choices can easily be removed, discoloration from age or oral health issues may not change. In this case, veneers are an effective option for a bright, white smile.
What Do Veneers Do: Benefits Beyond Appearance
Not only do veneers improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, but they also offer some health benefits. The thin shells protect the surface of damaged teeth, preventing further damage from occurring. In addition, veneers can help improve the alignment and shape of your teeth, addressing bite issues and reducing wear on uneven or misaligned teeth.
Veneers also offer a long-lasting solution for those who grind their teeth or clench their jaw, as they act as a protective barrier between the top and bottom teeth. They can also help with sensitivity, as veneers can cover exposed tooth roots and reduce discomfort.
How Dental Veneers Are Placed
The process of getting veneers is relatively simple and minimally invasive. Your dentist will first remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers. Impressions are then taken of your teeth, which are sent to a dental lab where your custom-made veneers will be created.
What can you expect during the process of placing dental veneers? This painless procedure can typically be completed in just one to two appointments. What happens during the dental veneers procedure depends on the type of veneers your dentist recommends.
The two most common options include:
- Porcelain veneers – Typically, porcelain veneers are made in a lab and can be custom-made to fit your smile.
- Composite veneers – These can quickly be made in-office and are made of resin that is applied to the tooth.
Veneers are applied to existing healthy teeth. To prep the teeth, your dentist might slightly reshape the tooth. The thickness of the veneer is about the amount that the dentist might need to remove. If you’re getting porcelain veneers, your dentist will work with a laboratory to have them crafted specifically for you. While you wait for the veneers to come back, your dentist may give you a temporary set. Once ready, a special cement is used to adhere the veneer to the tooth.
Composite veneers can be applied to the teeth at your dentist’s office without having to work with an external laboratory. Your dentist can mold the resin to your tooth, achieving the desired shape.
Veneers are endlessly customizable, which is one reason why they’re such a popular option. Your dentist can make them as white as you’d like, as well as use them to cover any blemish within your smile.
Call Columbia Smiles Today for Dental Veneers
Looking for dental veneers, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic dentistry services? Columbia Smiles offers a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services for Howard County and beyond. Discover why we’ve been rated Best Dental Practice 19 times by Howard Magazine. Connect with our team today to schedule an appointment.
In our dental practice, you’ll find a comfortable, welcoming environment and a team of dental professionals, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, committed to making every appointment as easy as possible.
Don’t settle for a smile you don’t love. If dental veneers are right for you, our team will work with you to design the look you want. Contact Columbia Smiles today at 410.690.4855 or reach out to our team online to get started.
