Veneers – Forest Park, OH

What are Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic dentists can apply veneers to a single tooth or to several teeth. In some cases, they can apply veneers to all the visible teeth as needed. The dentists make veneers to match the size, shape, and color of patients’ natural teeth.

Depending on the materials used, veneers can last 5 to 20 years.

What Problems Can Veneers Fix?

Dental problems, such as:

Discolored or stained teeth

Root canal treatments, stains from the use of certain medications, excessive fluoride, and large resin fillings can each discolor teeth.

Worn or chipped teeth

Veneers cover worn or chipped teeth. They can also protect these teeth from further damage.

Unwanted or uneven spaces

Veneers can correct the appearance of unwanted or uneven spaces without the need for braces.

Misshapen teeth

Misshapen teeth may be genetic or the result of abnormal growth during the tooth’s development. Veneers provide an “instant fix” for misshapen teeth.

Slight tooth crowding

Tooth crowding can cause one or more teeth to appear crooked. While veneers do not actually straighten teeth, they can make slightly crooked teeth from overcrowding look straighter.

Small teeth

Small teeth can be unappealing. Veneers can provide a uniform size for a more attractive smile.

Fix problems associated with teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can grind the tough enamel covering off teeth. Enamel loss can cause cosmetic problems, and it can result in sensitivity to cold and hot. Veneers can repair cosmetic issues caused by bruxism and enamel loss, and they can reduce sensitivity.

Resin Composite Veneers vs Pr

Veneers come in a variety of materials, including resin composite materials and porcelain.

Resin Composite Veneers

Resin composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin, which is essentially the same material a cosmetic dentist uses for tooth-colored fillings. The dentist bonds and forms the resin composite veneer directly on the surface of the tooth, so the dentist can place the veneers in a single visit.

Resin composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are better at resisting stains. Porcelain also does a better job of mimicking the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

The placement of porcelain dental veneers typically requires three trips to the dentist. The first appointment involves a consultation, in which the patient describes what he or she is trying to accomplish and the dentist performs an evaluation to determine if dental veneers can help the patient achieve his or her goals.

During the second visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth. The dentist will remove a small amount of enamel – just about the same thickness as the veneer – to provide enough space for the veneer. Next, the dentist makes an impression of the tooth or teeth and then sends this mold off to a laboratory, which makes the veneer. The dentist may place temporary veneers to protect the tooth.

When the dentist receives the veneer from the lab two to three weeks later, the patient returns for placement of the veneer. The dentist temporarily places the veneer to test its fit and color, then removes or trims the veneer as needed. The color may be adjusted with shaded cement. The dentist cleans, polishes, and roughens up the surface of the tooth, which creates a stronger bond between the tooth and the veneer. The dentist uses cement to bond the veneer to the tooth and shines a special light beam on the veneer to cure and harden the cement.

Finally, the dentist removes excess cement, evaluates the patient’s bite, and makes final adjustments to the veneer as necessary.

Veneers are an easy, convenient and conservative approach to improving the appearance of teeth. For more information about veneers, consult with a cosmetic dentist.