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Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments, providing cosmetic correction for various smile “flaws” and concerns. If you’ve never had a veneer, you might wonder if they’re a good solution for your goals — and what to expect during and after the veneer application.
A leading provider of state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry treatments, Richard Blackburn, DMD, MA, helps patients at Volterra Dental understand the benefits of dental veneers and how custom veneers can help them achieve more beautiful smiles. Here, learn what’s involved in the veneer process and how veneers can help you get the smile you’ve been hoping for.
Evaluation
Before recommending veneers, Dr. Blackburn evaluates your smile and your aesthetic goals to make sure veneers are the best choice. Veneers can treat lots of aesthetic concerns, like:
- Gaps between teeth
- Deeply stained or discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Mild to moderate alignment issues
- Teeth that appear too small
- Uneven or worn tooth surfaces
Veneers can be used alone or with other treatments to help you achieve the smile you want.
Tooth preparation
Veneers are fragile, but their thickness still needs to be considered. Before applying a porcelain veneer, Dr. Blackburn needs to prepare the tooth surface, removing a tiny amount of tooth material to make room for the veneer. This step ensures that the veneer's surface is level with the surfaces of your other teeth.
Many patients also decide to have a professional whitening treatment before receiving veneers. Whitening ensures that the veneer tint matches your teeth when they look their best. It also means that when you have whitening in the future, your teeth will all “match.”
Taking impressions
Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Blackburn makes an impression of it. The impression serves as a mold for your veneer, ensuring it fits perfectly. He also selects the custom tint for your veneer. The mold is then sent to a lab specializing in crafting custom veneers.
Adhering and shaping
Once your veneer is ready (typically within a couple of weeks), you’ll return to the office to have it applied. Dr. Blackburn uses a unique dental adhesive to mount the veneer to your tooth surface and gently shapes the edges to blend beautifully.
Caring for veneers
You can care for your veneers like you care for all your teeth—with twice-daily brushing, flossing, checkups, and professional cleanings every six months. Veneers are durable, but like your natural teeth, they can chip if you bite on something hard. Protect them and care for them like you care for your natural teeth, and your veneers can last for many years.
Transform your smile with veneers
It might sound like many steps, but the veneer process is simple. In just a couple of office visits, you can enjoy a dramatically more attractive smile that’s easy to care for and lasts for years.
To learn more about dental veneers and how they can transform your smile, contact Dr. Blackburn and the team at Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, California, today.