How do dental veneers work?

Dental veneers improve the aesthetics of your smile by covering all of the visible surfaces of your teeth. They are fabricated of incredibly thin porcelain and look like slightly sheer, tooth-shaped “shells” that fit over your natural teeth. 

Veneers are most often placed on the front 4-6 upper teeth, but if your smile is wider or shows your bottom teeth, veneers can be placed on any healthy tooth surface. 

Veneers have long been the preferred cosmetic dentistry treatment of celebrities and public figures. Today, thanks to advancements in dental technology, veneers are available to many more people. 

What are some cosmetic issues that dental veneers can improve?

Dental veneers can correct or improve many different cosmetic issues. Some of the reasons people choose to have a set of dental veneers applied include:

  • To correct discoloration that teeth whitening cannot improve
  • To resolve irregularities in the size or shape of teeth
  • To close a gap in your smile
  • To improve minor alignment issues
  • To create uniformity between teeth

During your initial consultation, your dentist can explain how dental veneers can help you move closer to your ideal smile. 

What steps are involved in getting dental veneers?

If you and your dentist decide that dental veneers are right for you, the first step involves administering an injection of numbing medication to keep you comfortable throughout the visit. 

Once you’re numb, your dentist carefully removes some tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Set of digital impressions gives the dental lab the information needed to craft your custom veneers. Temporary veneers protect your teeth until the permanent versions arrive. 

You then return to the office to have your dentist check the veneers for appearance and fit before cementing them into place. This completes the process, and you’ll emerge with your new smile, ready to share with the world. 

There is no need for any special care. Simply brush and floss normally, and avoid chewing on ice or biting down on hard objects to help your veneers last as long as possible. You can expect between 10-20 years of wear from a set of modern dental veneers. 

When you’re ready to learn more, book a visit at Kew Gardens Dental online or over the phone.