Veneers

A dental veneer is a ceramic restoration used to restore teeth that are broken, chipped, worn out, or discolored. It is a wafer-thin piece of porcelain that is customized to fit perfectly on the face of a tooth, allowing the hygienist to give you an aesthetic makeover as well as restore the damaged tooth.

What can veneers be used for?

Veneers can be used as a restorative appliance to treat the following oral conditions:

• Broken teeth: External trauma to the mouth can hurt so bad and even break a few teeth. When the tooth is badly fractured, it will usually be extracted. But, when the damage is repairable, it can be restored using a veneer.
• Worn out teeth: Bruxism, or night-time teeth grinding, is a major oral issue that leads to severe wear of the teeth. This makes the teeth look shorter than they should, and such teeth can be restored using veneers.
• Cracked teeth: When a tooth cracks, it can be quite painful and even lead to the infection of the tooth pulp (root canal infection). Also, when left untreated, the crack could grow more and result in tooth fracture, which is why it is best to get such a tooth restored using a veneer.
• Discolored teeth: Teeth that are badly discolored are often treated using teeth whitening techniques. But, when the extent of staining is too much, a veneer can be bonded to its surface to bring about an aesthetic makeover.

Benefits of choosing veneers

Veneers can be customized to look exactly like the natural tooth enamel. The hygienist would match the veneer's color and texture precisely with that of the enamel.

They help to strengthen the structure of the tooth by holding it intact and providing the necessary stability.

They can be used for many restorative purposes that enhance both the aesthetics of the smile and the functionality of the mouth.

They help the hygienist to preserve the natural tissues of the teeth. In some cases, they prevent a tooth from being extracted by restoring it to its original condition.

The excessive space between adjacent teeth can be eliminated using veneers, thereby getting you closer to a fuller smile.

How are veneers placed?

Getting a veneer placed will require two visits to the hygienist's office. We would carefully analyze your condition during the first visit and decide whether or not you're a suitable candidate for a veneer. Factors such as damage, cavities, discoloration, receding of gums, the strength of the teeth, etc., will be considered. Scans, x-rays, and a highly precise digital mold of your tooth will be taken to serve as a reference for fabricating the veneer at a dental laboratory. We use high-grade dental ceramic for this purpose.

During the next visit, the tooth will be prepared for the veneer by cleaning it thoroughly and etching it using a liquid solution. The veneer will be placed on it and checked for perfect fit and comfort, and if any changes are required, the hygienist tends to them. Once the hygienist feels that the veneer is fitting well, it will be bonded to the tooth permanently with the help of dental adhesives. The bite will be evaluated, and the veneer may be polished to enhance its appearance.

Schedule an online appointment or call us at 602-368-4050 to have a consultation with our hygienist at Esperanza Dental Clinic, and we'll be able to guide you further.