What are Cosmetic Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic dental veneers are coverings placed over natural teeth to improve the overall appearance of one’s smile. The thin coverings are most commonly crafted from porcelain and/or composite materials and used to correct minor imperfections such as deep stains, gaps between teeth, and small chips. Veneers are a popular choice among patients looking to brighten their smiles, as they blend in well with the natural teeth, and the procedure is considered minimally invasive.

Veneers Procedure and Types of Veneers

In certain cases, patients may only need a single veneer to correct discoloration or one broken or chipped tooth. Alternatively, Dr. Kaminski may recommend a full set of six to eight veneers to cover the top front teeth. The two types of veneers are traditional veneers and no-prep veneers and, the procedure varies slightly based on the specific veneer type.

Traditional Veneers

Traditional veneers are the most popular type of veneers. These veneers are crafted with solid porcelain to ensure durability. Dr. Tom can match traditional veneers to the color of your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking appearance.

Traditional veneers are applied over two appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Tom may take impressions to design the smile with the lab. Dr. Tom will then prep the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel.

Once the teeth are prepped, temporary veneers are placed to protect the teeth while porcelain veneers are created in the dental lab. When your permanent veneers are ready, Dr. Tom applies a light-sensitive resin to the tooth surface and places the veneer. A curing light is then utilized to bond the veneer to the tooth surface by hardening the resin.

After the resin is cured and your veneers are safely bonded, Dr. Tom will polish the teeth and remove any excess resin from the sides. Your teeth and gums may feel slightly sore, so it’s important to follow aftercare instructions that may include rinsing with warm salt water and gentle flossing and brushing for the first week or two.

Benefits of Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers are life-changing for those with dental issues such as chips, deep stains, gaps, or uneven teeth that can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and prevent them from smiling altogether. Understanding the differences between traditional and no-prep veneers and learning about the application process can help you determine the best procedure to meet your cosmetic dental needs.

Are Veneers Right for Me?

If you have damaged or discolored teeth, dental veneers could be a good solution. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tom to learn more about cosmetic veneers.