If you do not have the perfect “Hollywood” smile, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Contrary to what television would have us believe, not many people in the world were born with a straight, white, and even smile. Fortunately, though, there are many ways you can improve the esthetics of your teeth. At Cooley Smiles, our dental experts may recommend you dental veneers to give you a whiter and more even-looking smile.What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are custom-fitted to match the shape and size of your teeth. These veneers may be applied to your teeth to mask any cosmetic defects including discoloration, chipped teeth, eroded enamel, and disproportionately small teeth. Dental veneers are quite strong and look just like your natural teeth.
The Process of Applying Dental Veneers
Getting a dental veneer is a simple and minimally-invasive process. At Cooley Smiles our dentists will take an impression of your natural teeth and send it to a dental lab to prepare the veneers. To prepare your teeth to receive the veneer, we will etch the enamel and apply a layer of bonding gel to it. A thin layer of the gel will also be applied to the veneers which will then be fitted to your teeth. We will also use a blue curing light to harden the bonding agent so that the veneer sticks tightly to your teeth. We will shave off the excess material and will check your bite. Typically, dental veneers require two sessions. However, the process itself is not time-consuming and can take about an hour to complete.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer a lot of advantages. These include:
| • | Improving the esthetics of your smile: Dental veneers reflect light like enamel furthering the illusion of real teeth. |
| • | They can protect teeth with eroded enamel from sensitivity. |
| • | Porcelain is very stain-resistant so you can expect your teeth to remain white and bright for years. |
| • | Porcelain is a hypoallergenic material which means you do not suffer any adverse reactions from veneers. |
| • | The process is non-invasive and does not involve pain. |
However, getting porcelain veneers is an irreversible process. That’s because we will need to shave off some enamel from your tooth structure to accommodate the veneers. Enamel cannot regenerate so your teeth will need protecting for life, whether it is with veneers or dental crowns. At Cooley Smiles, we will inform you of all the details you need to know so that you can make an informed decision.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Veneers are made with high-grade porcelain and are designed to last a long time. If you exercise proper oral hygiene and care, your veneers can last you for as much as 15 years. You can extend the life of your veneers by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and employing the right techniques to brush your teeth. Also, stay away from bad habits like grinding your teeth, chewing on hard inedible things like pencil stubs, and smoking. If you participate in physical activities, make sure you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Call us at (425) 569-4545 to schedule an oral examination today. We will determine the health of your teeth and find out which treatment option works best to give you a bright and even smile.
