If you are unhappy with the appearance of a smile that is afflicted by multiple imperfections, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that completely covers up the front side of damaged teeth, remaking their size, shape, color, and overall appearance.
Veneers are bonded securely to the front teeth where they can last for a decade or more. Keep reading to learn more about how this bonding process works — and whether or not porcelain veneers could be a good solution for your smile.
What Do Veneers Fix?
Veneers can be used to cover up virtually any cosmetic imperfection affecting the teeth that show when you smile — also known as “the social six.” While they do not technically “correct” anything, by remaking the front side of a damaged tooth, a treatment plan that includes veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile.
A dentist may recommend porcelain veneers as a solution for people dealing with one or more of the following:
- Teeth with irregular surfaces (i.e. pits and grooves)
- Short or pointy teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Minor gaps between teeth
- And other purely cosmetic issues
How Veneers Are Attached Onto Teeth
Dental veneers are placed over the course of two visits to the cosmetic dentist. In the first, your dentist will prepare the teeth to be treated by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the extra layer on top. You will wear temporary veneers in the time between appointments to cover up the teeth while the veneers are being created in a ceramics lab.
In the second appointment, your cosmetic dentist will remove the temporary veneers and, after confirming that the permanent ones look, fit, and feel just like they should, will get ready to bond them on. This occurs in the following steps:
- Each tooth is cleaned, dried, and isolated to keep it dry
- Each tooth is etched, or roughened, to encourage secure bonding
- Cement is applied to the back surface of the veneer and then placed onto the tooth
- A special light hardens the cement to secure the veneer in place
Are Veneers Right for You?
If you are dealing with several different dental imperfections that are taking away from your smile in a big way, porcelain veneers may be a wonderful option for your smile — but the only way to know for sure is to visit your cosmetic dentist for a consultation.
Meet the Practice
Led by Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, Cowlitz River Dental has offered comprehensive dentistry from the comfort of a state-of-the-art office since 2002. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, you are invited to contact the practice at (360) 274-9100.