The world is full of beautiful, unique smiles. (Yours is one of them!) Some, though, have a uniformity in alignment, color, spacing, shape, and size that sets them apart. In many of these cases, the beautiful symmetry is a result of a cosmetic dental treatment called veneers, available from Phoenix dentists, Dr. Tim Schmidt and Dr. Paul Nielson.
Veneer basics
Imagine having a ragged, discolored fingernail. You might visit a qualified manicurist for application of an acrylic nail to hide flaws and provide strength, with a natural look. This is the basic concept of veneers, in the context of your smile.
A veneer is made of a rigid dental ceramic, which is translucent like tooth enamel. This thin shell is precisely shaped and shaded, then cemented to the front surface of a prepared tooth. The technique is used to improve the appearance of:
- Mildly crooked teeth.
- Spaces between teeth.
- Pits, bumps, cracks, and chips in enamel.
- Deep discoloration that will not bleach out.
- Worn down teeth.
- Teeth that have odd shape or size.
While a single tooth may be veneered, commonly the four, six, or eight that show when you smile are treated.
The procedure
While the procedure is meticulous, from the patient’s perspective it is straightforward. It begins with a thorough oral examination. Tooth decay and gum disease must be addressed before veneers can be placed. You and the dentist discuss what you want to change about your smile, looking at photos and color samples. Then teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to allow veneers to fit properly, with a natural look. Impressions are taken, and your teeth are protected with composite temporary veneers.
Your impressions, measurements, photos, and shading information go to a trusted local dental laboratory where a trained ceramist fabricates the veneers. You return in several weeks. The temporary veneers are removed, and the new ones are bonded in place. That’s it – just two visits for a transformed smile!
Are you a good candidate for veneers? Schedule a consultation at Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix to find out. Call (602) 786-5484.