Dentist in Phoenix, AZ explains how veneers address crooked teeth and other imperfections

Your smile is often the first thing others notice. Does your smile have crooked teeth, gaps, or other cosmetic imperfections? If you find yourself hiding your smile because you’re embarrassed of it, you may end up being perceived as unhappy or unapproachable. A beautiful, friendly smile can impact your life in a big way, that’s why the team at Life Smiles Dental Center in Phoenix, AZ, offers porcelain veneers to cosmetically improve crooked teeth and other minor imperfections. Below, we’ll discuss how porcelain veneers can dramatically improve your life.

Porcelain Veneers explained

Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are adhered to the front of your natural teeth to enhance their appearance. Veneers can be used to change the size, shape, color, or spacing between the teeth. For individuals wanting to address a few crooked teeth in the front of the mouth, they are an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontics.

Benefits of Veneers

There are many advantages to choosing veneers to cosmetically correct crooked teeth or other dental issues.

1. They are versatile – When opting for veneers, you can change your smile as much or as little as you want. Veneers are great because they can help patients who have a single bothersome tooth, or they can be used to cosmetically enhance all the visible teeth within the arch. Veneers are customizable and can be the perfect solution to many different cosmetic concerns.
2. The possibilities are endless – Believe us when we tell you that you can have the smile of your dreams when it comes to veneers. We encourage patients to look at pictures of celebrities and other public figures to find qualities in their smiles you wish to have in your own. It is important to understand that your unique facial features play a role in the final appearance of your smile. With our experience, we’ll work with you to help you achieve your goal while making recommendations that will end up looking natural with your facial shape and symmetry.
3. They are customizable – It’s true that you can choose the shade of white that you want for your porcelain veneers. However, we caution you to understand that natural teeth are not as white as you may think they are. Even healthy teeth can appear slightly darker than ultra-bright white. While it’s completely up to you, we’ll help you choose a shade that is natural looking on you.
4. They can last a long time – Porcelain is an extremely durable material that doesn’t stain or corrode and can withstand the natural force of biting and chewing. With good oral habits, porcelain veneers can last 15 years or longer. Still, patients should be careful to practice good oral hygiene and dental habits including:
   1. Avoid biting down or chewing on objects that are not food. (Examples – opening packages with the teeth, chewing on pen caps, etc.).
   2. Brushing and flossing daily. Veneers only cover the front surface which means the remaining tooth structure is still susceptible to decay.
   3. Avoid grinding teeth. Bruxism is a common problem that often occurs during stressful periods or sleep. Wearing a mouth guard at night can help protect the teeth.

Candidates for porcelain veneers

Nearly any adult who wishes to address cosmetic concerns such as crooked teeth, gaps, uneven lengths, or permanent discoloration is a candidate for porcelain veneers. Individuals with oral health problems such as untreated tooth decay or gum disease will need to have these addressed prior to having cosmetic dental work.

The process for porcelain veneers

In most cases, it takes two appointments to receive porcelain veneers. During the first appointment, a small amount of enamel will need to be removed to allow the veneer to fit and look natural. Most veneers are about the thickness of a contact lens, so preparation is minimal. Then, impressions are taken and sent off with specifications for your custom veneers. Teeth will be fitted with temporary veneers in the interim.

Once the veneers are ready, patients will return for final placement. They will be checked for proper fit and color before they are permanently bonded into place.

Don’t live with crooked teeth or other cosmetic flaws, call Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ at  (602) 786-5484 to learn more about porcelain veneers.