Professional Tooth Veneers from Your Local Family Dentist
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Cosmetic Dentistry: Help Hide Dental Imperfections with Veneers
You may have heard a dentist or someone else mention “veneers” but not know what they are. Tooth veneers have become an increasingly popular way to fix a damaged, misshapen, or discolored tooth.
For many patients, a dental veneer is a relatively easy and quick way to achieve a beautiful and functional smile. You do not have to travel far to find the best cosmetic dentist for veneers in Cincinnati.
What are Tooth Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin piece of custom-made porcelain or composite bonding that fits on the front of the patient’s tooth. Some people get just one veneer, while others use more than one to cover multiple teeth.
For many, tooth veneers are the perfect treatment for stained, injured, unevenly worn, or slightly chipped teeth. Dental veneers can also correct problems like cracked tooth syndrome and misaligned teeth.
Depending on your needs and your dental problem, you typically have four options for veneers:
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are highly biocompatible; they rarely injure the gum and surrounding soft tissues in the mouth. Porcelain veneers have a very natural-looking effect and last a long time. Before application, porcelain requires a slight roughening of the tooth’s surface to bond the veneer properly.
Some patients prefer porcelain veneers because they mimic the tooth’s natural translucency, color, and appearance. Porcelain is also more robust and more resilient than your natural tooth enamel!
On the downside, porcelain’s translucency is limited in the amount of discoloration these veneers can correct. Also, since they are made and then applied to your teeth, some porcelain veneers might be unable to restore severely crooked or chipped teeth.
Composite Bonding
Composite resin veneers contain a mixture of inorganic and organic materials. They are less expensive than porcelain veneers but usually don’t last as long. Compositive resin is also a bit thicker but not as resilient and natural looking.
While composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain, they are more sculptable. This characteristic makes them more effective in correcting larger chips or more severe discoloration because they can easily fit around tooth contours.
However, the opacity of composite resin does not always look as natural as porcelain. Also, they may need replacing more often than porcelain veneers. Compared to composite bonding, porcelain veneers last a long time and are preferable for correcting discolored or misshapen teeth. Porcelain typically lasts a long time.
Lumineers
Lumineers are super-thin veneers and can look even more natural than porcelain. They last up to 20 years and do not require as much alteration to the tooth enamel as porcelain and composite veneers.
In terms of disadvantages, Lumineers are also more prone to chipping. They also tend to be more expensive than other veneers.
Removable Veneers
Sometimes called “flippers,” removable veneers that the wearer can slip on. These veneers require no wearing down or alteration of the teeth. A significant advantage is that these veneers are non-permanent; you can put them in or take them out anytime you want.
The downside is that they might be uncomfortable. They usually do not blend as well with your other teeth. Also, they need reconstruction more often than permanent tooth veneers.
Dental Veneers vs. Tooth Crowns
Veneers and crowns have some similarities in function. They both are cosmetic remedies, and they protect damaged or discolored from further damage or decay after placement.
There are also differences between the two. Unlike crowns, veneers do not require drilling down the tooth surface. Also, veneers are more helpful in fixing surface flaws and improving the repaired tooth’s appearance. Crowns cover the entire damaged tooth while veneers go on the front.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers
Dental veneers don’t involve surgeries or intrusive procedures like braces or crowns. If necessary, you can opt for a temporary or removable veneer until a permanent solution is available.
The usual process for fitting veneers requires two appointments because the veneer will be made in a laboratory and applied later. Generally, the procedure is not painful, so you wouldn’t need local anesthesia.
During the first appointment, the dentist removes a thin enamel layer on the tooth’s front. This step allows the veneer to be placed over the natural tooth. Once the dentist makes an impression of the tooth, they will send it to a dental lab where a technician will create a permanent veneer.
When the permanent veneer returns from the lab, the dentist fixes it to the tooth during a second appointment. A special adhesive and UV light secure the veneer in place. Finally, the dentist removes excess bonding material and polishes the margins of the veneer.
While veneers can be pricey, they are a top choice for many people wanting to improve their smile. Regardless of how it’s made, your tooth veneer should last many years. After you complete your post-procedure care, your veneers will require the same dental hygiene care as natural teeth.
A Family & Cosmetic Dentist in Cincinnati Offering All Kinds of Tooth Veneers
If you’re considering veneers, you can keep your cosmetic dentist search in the tri-state area. To see if you’re a good candidate for veneers, Contact Beckham Square Family Dental today for more information or to schedule an appointment. Call us at 513.489.7800, or go online to complete the contact form.
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