Veneers

Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell used to cover the surface of a tooth. Dental veneers are used to fix a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, including chipped, stained, or crooked teeth.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers and laminates are made of very thin porcelain that covers the front surface of the teeth. The veneers are placed over the front surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance but also to protect the tooth from further damage.

Veneers are primarily used to make the smile more beautiful. They can cover stains on the teeth that cannot be removed by simple whitening, improve the appearance of misshapen or chipped teeth, and close gaps between teeth.

When Are Veneers Needed?

Veneers are typically recommended to treat the following issues:

• Discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening procedures
• Chipped or broken teeth that do not affect the function of the bite or have large fillings that need replacement
• Teeth that have spaces in between the teeth
• Misshapen or misaligned teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Worn down teeth due to teeth grinding/jaw clenching
• Tooth gaps that are not filled correctly by other cosmetic dental treatments
• Short teeth
• Extra long teeth

Explain The Process of Veneers

A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell made from porcelain or resin composite material. They are used to cover the front of a tooth to change its appearance. This is an affordable alternative to crowns and can provide long-lasting results when taken care of properly. It is important to discuss your goals with your dentist so they can help determine if veneers are right for you. Most dentists recommend people for veneers if they have discolored teeth, spaces between their teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, or a misaligned bite. Talk to your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for veneers before undergoing any procedure.

The process of getting dental veneers usually requires at least two visits; the first visit is to prepare the teeth and take impressions to send to the lab where the veneers will be made. These impressions will be used to make a model of the teeth that the laboratory will use to create the veneers. Patients typically wear temporary veneers while waiting for the permanent ones to be made. During this time, it is important to maintain normal oral hygiene and avoid foods that can stain the veneers.

During the second appointment, the temporary veneers are removed, and the new ones are bonded in place with a special type of cement. Once it is cured, they are able to function as normal teeth. With proper care and regular cleanings, dental veneers can last for many years.

To have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Shirley Zao, please schedule an online appointment or call us at (925) 847-8790, and we will be happy to help.