A smile is one of a person’s greatest assets. Great smiles instantly attract people to an individual, they radiate a person’s energy and spirit. It makes them approachable and breaks down inhibitions in others. A perfect smile can lead to a great connection.
Sometimes, however, our teeth aren’t as perfect as we’d like to be. We might smile with our lips sealed, or our smiles may lack confidence, detracting from the great energy our smile might otherwise reveal. In instances like these, cosmetic surgery, such as dental veneers, are an excellent solution.
There are several things that make us insecure about our smiles. Our teeth might be a little crooked or twisted, or perhaps years of smoking or coffee drinking have left them stained. We might want to narrow a gap between our front teeth that’s a little too large for our tastes. Perhaps, we just want to change the way our smile looks-we might want our teeth a little larger or smaller. Veneers can help solve all these problems.
Veneers can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or composite materials and are attached to the front of our teeths. The material used to create veneers are tooth-colored, which can be used to cover up stains we may have on our teeth. Adding materials to the front of our teeth changes their shape, allowing us to change the shape and size of our teeth, which can help with crooked teeth or gaps.
The first step in getting veneers is a consultation with a dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will work with you to understand your needs and develop a plan for the veneers.
Before the veneers are placed on your teeth, the surfaces of your teeth need to be prepared. This is done by grinding down the front of your teeth, so there is room to accept the veneer. Molds of your teeth are then taken by the dentist, so your veneers can be shaped.
Using the mold, veneers for your teeth can be completed in one to three weeks. There are different options for veneer material-composite is cheapest, but is the least durable and will likely need to be replaced in two years. Porcelain veneers are the most durable, but more expensive, but will need to be replaced more often.
During your next visit, the dentist will check the veneers to ensure that they have a proper fit. The surface of your teeth will then be cleaned and made rough, so the veneers may be adhered to your teeth using dental cement. A curative light will be used to quickly harden the cement, and in a short period of time, the veneers will be bonded to your teeth. The dentist will then polish your teeth to give it a natural appearance.