Professional Tooth Veneers from Your Local Family Dentist

Looking For a Dentist in the Cincinnati Area for 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 option for repairing a damaged, misshapen, or discolored tooth.

For many patients, a dental veneer is a relatively easy and quick way to achieve a beautiful, 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, custom-made porcelain or composite resin layer that is bonded to the front of a patient’s tooth. Some people get just one veneer, while others use them to cover multiple teeth.

For many, tooth veneers are the ideal treatment for stained, chipped, or unevenly worn teeth. Dental veneers can also correct issues such as cracked or 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 cause injury to the gums and surrounding soft tissues. 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 ensure proper bonding of the veneer.

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 limits 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 severe misalignment or cracks.

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. Composite resin is also slightly thicker but less resilient and not as natural-looking.

While composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain, they are more sculptable. This characteristic makes them more effective at correcting larger chips or more severe discoloration because they can easily conform to tooth contours.

However, the opacity of composite resin does not always look as natural as porcelain. Additionally, they may require more frequent replacement than porcelain veneers. Compared with composite bonding, porcelain veneers are durable and preferred for correcting discolored or misshapen teeth.

Lumineers

Lumineers are very thin veneers and can look even more natural than the porcelain kind. They last up to 20 years and require less alteration of the tooth enamel than porcelain and composite veneers.

One disadvantage of Lumineers is that they are more prone to chipping. They are also more expensive than other veneers.

Removable Veneers

Sometimes called “flippers,” removable veneers are worn by slipping them 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 at any time.

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

If you’re trying to decide between getting veneers or crowns, remember that you won’t see much difference in function. They’re both cosmetic treatments that help protect injured or discolored teeth from further damage or decay after placement.

Although they function similarly, veneers and crowns differ in several characteristics.

• Coverage: A veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth.
• Thickness: Veneers are about 1 millimeter thick, while crowns are about twice as thick.
• Invasiveness of procedure: Veneers require removing some enamel, and a crown involves drilling into the tooth surface.
• Extent of repair: Veneers can correct surface flaws, such as discoloration, gaps, and minor cracks. Crowns are required when there’s advanced tooth decay or more extensive damage.
• Durability: Veneers don’t last as long as crowns and typically require replacement after 10-15 years.

What Would Make Me a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Although veneers may seem simple to place compared to other dental appliances, they’re not the best solution for everyone. First, you need to be in good oral and physical health. Other factors that would make you an excellent candidate include

• Having sufficient tooth enamel to start with
• Not smoking or using tobacco products
• Having no tooth decay
• Avoiding nail-biting or gnawing on pens and other objects
• Showing no signs of significant gum disease
• Not clenching or grinding your teeth, especially while asleep

A good candidate for veneers will also commit to maintaining consistent oral hygiene at home. You also need to keep up with your twice-yearly annual dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers don’t require surgery or other invasive procedures, such as braces or crowns. If necessary, you can opt for a temporary or removable veneer until a permanent solution is available.

The standard process for fitting veneers requires two appointments: the veneer is fabricated in a laboratory and then applied during a second visit. Generally, the procedure is not painful, so you wouldn’t need local anesthesia.

During the first appointment, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s front surface. 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.

Regardless of how they’re made, your tooth veneers should last many years if you take good care of them. After you complete your post-procedure care, your veneers will require the same level of dental hygiene as natural teeth. Additionally, they’ll last longer if you avoid abrasive toothpaste and use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

It may seem unnecessary to caution against using whitening products on teeth with veneers, but we strongly recommend avoiding them. Whitening kits can scratch the veneers’ surfaces.

You might want to use a little extra care when eating. For instance, avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples, hard candy, or tough meat. Cut crunchier foods into smaller pieces and break them down with your back teeth. Consider limiting or avoiding dark-colored beverages, such as red wine or coffee, which can stain your veneers.

A Family and Cosmetic Dentist in Cincinnati Offering Quality Tooth Veneers

If you’re considering veneers, you can keep your search for a cosmetic dentist 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.