How Dental Veneers Can Improve the Appearance of Teeth

Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which a layer of material, fabricated in the shape and shade of a tooth, is placed over a natural tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are custom made and personalized to enhance the structure and color of a tooth. Although veneers are mainly used for cosmetic purposes, these dental prostheses also serve as a protective barrier for vulnerable teeth.

Different types of veneers

Full veneers cover the entire tooth, including the sides and back, while laminate veneers cover only a portion of the tooth surface. Porcelain veneers are created separately by a dentist after assessing the exact measurements of the natural tooth.

Once the veneer is designed to fit with surrounding teeth in both color and shape, the full or partial veneer is then fastened to the natural tooth. The dentist will use a special dental cement to bond the device to your natural tooth. In contrast, laminate veneers are created on the spot using a resin material that directly bonds to the tooth.

An important detail to note is that porcelain veneers better mimic the sheen and opacity of a real tooth, while laminates will appear slightly lab created. However, the difference is minimal.

Problems fixed by veneers

Many cosmetic issues can be remedied with the use of veneers. Be it physical damage or only unpleasant surface stains, veneers can usually improve the appearance and structure of the tooth or teeth in question. Here are a few common problems that veneers can help. Keep in mind that this is by no means an intensive list. Be sure to consult your dentist if you have any questions regarding veneers and their many uses.

Veneers are commonly used to correct:

• Tooth gaps
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Disfigured, chipped or broken teeth where the root is still intact
• Teeth that are naturally irregularly shaped

In extreme cases of discoloration, teeth are stained beyond repair. This can occur sometimes when root canals are administered. Dentin is permeated by a dead root, which can darken a tooth permanently.

Other environmental factors like smoking, certain medications and trauma to the teeth can also cause irreversible discoloration. In this case, whitening is no longer effective, and veneers are a viable option. Teeth that are otherwise healthy can benefit from veneers.

How do veneers work?

Veneers are dental devices that are custom fitted to a tooth. They last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Like natural teeth, veneers can still be damaged, so make sure to treat them as you would treat your own teeth.

As we age, the enamel on our teeth tends to deteriorate. Dentin naturally shows through our thinning enamel over time, even with diligent oral hygiene. Chipped, gapped and broken teeth can benefit from veneer placement to both improve the appearance of your smile and protect any weakened teeth. Veneers are also commonly used to improve discolored teeth. If you have teeth that are unsightly, talk to your dentist to find out if veneers are the permanent cosmetic dentistry procedure that is right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.