Dentist explains what you need to know about dental veneers treatment near Bridgetown

A beautiful smile enhances your appearance and improves your confidence in your personal and professional interactions. It makes you stand out in a positive way. At Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry, we understand the importance of a beautiful smile. With offices in Fairfield and Bridgetown, Drs. Jesal Patel and Shawn Dornhecker offer dental veneers as a treatment option to transform your smile.

What are veneers?

Veneers are used to change the appearance of a single tooth or, more commonly, multiple teeth as part of a smile makeover. The ultra-thin shells of porcelain are adhered to the front of the teeth. They can be used to correct dental imperfections such as discolored, chipped, gapped, or misaligned teeth. Dental veneers were first used in the 1920s to temporarily improve movie stars’ teeth while filming. Advancements in dental technology have made veneers a long-lasting option to transform anyone’s smile, not just the smiles of the Hollywood elite.

What you need to know about veneers

If you are considering enhancing your smile, cosmetic dentistry includes a number of services to easily make changes. Patients should be aware of the purpose, process, pros, and cons of potential procedures. A consultation and an examination are necessary. This gives you a chance to discuss your medical and dental histories, lifestyle, questions or concerns, and your expectations. This allows your dentist to help you choose the most appropriate treatment for your needs. If dental veneers are selected, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

• Veneers are customized for each patient using impressions of the teeth.
• The porcelain material looks like natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is also strong and durable, so it can withstand the pressure and functions of natural teeth.
• Veneers are used in cosmetic procedures to enhance the smile.
• More than one appointment is needed.

What to expect during the process

The versatility of veneers allows them to be used to cover a single tooth with imperfections or to makeover an entire smile. To begin the process, the teeth to be treated must first be prepped. Veneers are ultra-thin, usually less than 1mm in thickness or the thickness of a fingernail. That same amount must be removed from the enamel of the teeth. This ensures the veneers lay flat and flush with the tooth for a smooth, natural appearance.

Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth. This ensures the veneers fit properly. He or she makes notes regarding the size, shape, and color of the teeth. A shading guide is used to color match the teeth. For teeth that are stained, the desired shade of white is selected. The notes and shading guide help produce natural looking veneers.

The impressions and notes are sent to a ceramist for fabrication. Once ready, another dental appointment is necessary to have the veneers bonded to your teeth. Your teeth will be cleaned and then treated with an acid etching gel. The gel creates a rough surface that makes it easier for the veneers to adhere. Then, the veneers are applied and cemented to the teeth. If there is any residual material from the bonding process, it is removed before you leave the office with your veneers and new smile in place.

Benefits of dental veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic dental option to enhance your smile. With versatility and ease of application, veneers are used to change the appearance of a single tooth or multiple teeth as part of a smile makeover. Using impressions of your teeth and notes regarding the color, size, and shape, the end result is a natural-looking smile. Once adhered, veneers seamlessly address cosmetic imperfections and improve your smile.

• Veneers disguise cosmetic imperfections. They can be used to enhance teeth that are discolored or stained, chipped, broken, uneven, gapped, or crooked.
• Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that lie flat and blend with the natural teeth.
• The porcelain material is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting.
• Veneers are custom-created based on impressions of your teeth. This produces a natural, beautiful result.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your smile, consider porcelain veneers. Contact our offices in Bridgetown at (513) 815-3188 or in Fairfield at (513) 815-3166 to schedule a consultation.