Your smile says a lot about you. The first impression you give at a job interview, audition, or professional meeting can make a huge difference. Don’t let your teeth hold you back. If you’re struggling with less than ideal teeth and don’t love your smile, veneers might be the answer you are looking for.
What is a Dental Veneer?
Veneers are alternatively termed “dental veneers” or “dental porcelain laminates”. They are a wafer-thin, custom-made shell designed to cover the front surface of your teeth.
These thin shells are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. Veneers can be used to treat chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth. Some people may only get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth, but others get between six to eight veneers in order to create a stunning smile. Dental veneers are only meant to make minor changes to restore the shape, size, and color of the existing front and occasionally back teeth.
What Problems Can A Veneer Fix?
Veneers are routinely used to fix a variety of issues including the following:
- Discolored teeth: You may have discolored teeth due to a root canal, excessive fluoride, large fillings, drug use, or stains. If the discoloration is minor, veneers can give you a beautifully clean surface and the appearance of brand new pearly whites.
- Worn down teeth: Sometimes you will have teeth that are more worn down than others around it, causing them to appear smaller or misshapen. Veneers can restore the original size and shape of your teeth.
- Teeth that are chipped or broken: If you chip or break a tooth due to an injury, you may use a veneer to repair the tooth back to full form, making your smile beautiful again.
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped: Sometimes you may have a tooth that doesn’t line up with an adjacent tooth, is smaller or larger than the surrounding teeth, or one that sits forward or behind its surrounding teeth. In many situations, veneers can align the teeth and provide symmetry to eliminate the previously noticeable difference.
- Gaps in teeth: Veneers are sometimes used to close the space between teeth and create a seamless and congruent smile.
Benefits of Veneers
There are several benefits to veneers, which is what makes them so popular.
- First, they provide a natural tooth appearance. When done well, veneers are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- In addition, the gums tolerate porcelain very well, keeping them healthy and beautiful.
- Veneers require less removal of the natural tooth structure than crowns. Making them a more conservative restorative option.
- And of course, you can choose the color to make sure your teeth are as natural or bright looking as you would like.
Dental Veneers FAQs
Veneers have a lifespan of about 10-20 years, but they are a bit more susceptible to staining due to the placement of their margins. It is important that Dr. Charette knows about your dietary choices in order to properly guide you on your path to the smile you have always dreamed of.
Veneers can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or a resin composite. At Charette Prosthodontics in Louisville, KY, our veneers are made of a ceramic structure called eMax. This material is very strong when pressed and bonded to enamel (the outer layer of your tooth).
The cost of a single veneer is similar, if not the same, as the cost of a crown. Although we are not partnered with insurance, it is important to note that most insurance companies will not contribute to veneer therapy as they are considered aesthetic restorations.
You can eat and drink like normal the same day you get your veneers. There is little to no recovery time once the veneers are cemented on. However, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your veneers:
- In order to avoid chipping or breaking your veneers, you want to avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or fingernails.
- Eat harder foods with your back teeth only
- Always wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
- Because veneers are susceptible to staining, you may want to avoid dark staining liquids such as coffee, tea, or red wine.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may want to ask your dentist or prosthodontist about a splint or night-guard to protect your veneers.
It’s also important to remember that the tooth under the veneer is still susceptible to decay/cavities. This makes it imperative that you keep up with daily oral care, regular dental cleanings, and a low sugar/acid diet.
It is rare for a veneer to come off, but it can happen. If possible, save the veneer and call our Louisville, KY office as soon as possible to see if we can put it back on.
Crowns cover your entire tooth; a veneer is just a shell that is applied to the front only. Crowns can be used to reinforce and support weak teeth while veneers are purely for appearance.
Why Trust Dr. Charette in Louisville, KY
- Genuinely Cares: Dr. Charette in Louisville, KY not only cares about his patient’s oral health but also cares about the person outside of the mouth. He will help you determine if veneers are right for you and get you the beautiful smile you’re looking for.
- Field Expert: Dr. Jyme Charette has spent years perfecting the art of dental restoration. He understands the requirements of proper tooth preparation and smile design and teaches his techniques to the students and residents at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
- Customizable Treatment Plans: Dr. Charette and his team in Louisville, KY do not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution to dental problems. Instead, they believe that the treatment and experience should be as unique as the patient themselves. From crowns and bridges to dental implants and veneers, you will receive a custom dental plan that is catered to your specific smile goals.
- Sedation Dentistry: We offer all levels of sedation dentistry to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Whether your treatment is simple or complex, needs are large or small, we are here to support you in whatever ways you need.
Achieving Perfection
Although many people come to us requesting dental veneers, the number of people who can actually receive them as the solution to their oral needs are few. Veneers essentially function to improve the esthetics only. However, because they do not cover the entire tooth, they are susceptible to fracture or loss due to forces of the opposing teeth. It is imperative that your bite be evaluated and the surrounding teeth considered when choosing veneers as a restorative option.
Veneers can be a great and conservative solution for the right patient. If you are interested in veneers, we will be happy to evaluate your bite and the current position of your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate. Give our office in Louisville, KY a call today for your consultation appointment.
