Questions About Dental Veneers

If your teeth are healthy, but you find them unattractive, you may be considering cosmetic dental applications to help improve their appearance. One of the most effective applications for altering the look of your teeth is the dental veneer. Here are a few questions and answers about dental veneers and what they can do for your teeth.

Why are dental veneers usually made of resin or porcelain?

Dental veneers are designed to blend with other teeth in your mouth or to cover all of the teeth that are easily seen when you smile or speak. Since most people prefer the look of straight, white teeth, tooth-colored materials are needed for a veneer application.

Porcelain, like resin, which is a form of plastic that is often used in dentistry, can be colored to the desired shade of whiteness. Both materials display a translucency that is similar to natural tooth enamel.

Why can dental veneers be used to improve the appearance of multiple types of cosmetic imperfections?

Dental veneers can be used for multiple cosmetic dental issues because the veneers are not actually correcting the issues. Instead, they conceal the problems.

Dental veneers are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Since each paper-thin piece of dental material is the same size or slightly larger than the underlying tooth, the treated tooth is fully covered.

What imperfections are usually addressed by a veneer application?

Dental veneers can be used to improve the appearance of many different dental issues. Here are a few of the them.

Dental Discoloration

Dental discoloration can result from the gradual absorption of pigments from the drinks and foods that you ingest. It can also be caused by a birth defect or a side effect from a certain medication, such as tetracycline. Additionally, a blow to the mouth can cause a tooth to darken permanently. Dental veneers can conceal the discoloration regardless of its source.

Dental Misalignment

If your teeth have a mild dental misalignment, the veneers can make them appear straight and even. However, it is important to remember that the veneers only conceal the misalignment. Therefore, if there are bite problems or other issues associated with the crooked teeth, orthodontic treatments may be needed to address those issues.

Gaps

The look of teeth that have gaps or are misshapen can also be improved through veneers. Slightly larger veneers may be applied to teeth with gaps in between them to help fill in the spaces.

To learn more about veneers and how they can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your area.