Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. While they are most notably known for their ability to transform the shade of your teeth, the truth is that veneers can fix multiple trouble areas at once 一 saving you both time and multiple trips to our office.
Below, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro highlights five things that we can fix with veneers.
If you have small gaps between your teeth, you might think that your only option is orthodontic treatment, but veneers can actually fix minor flaws such as gaps. Veneers don’t physically move your teeth in order to address mild alignment flaws, including both crookedness and gaps. By placing the porcelain shell strategically, Dr. Teodoro hides these minor imperfections.
“White teeth” is often listed as one of the most desirable smile traits, but drinks and food can leave your teeth stained yellow. While professional teeth whitening treatments are effective, they won’t lighten teeth permanently stained by medication. Because veneers are custom-created for you, each element of the veneers (including the shade) is personalized to you and your specific goals.
Cracks and chips are common dental injuries that pose both cosmetic and health concerns. Not only does a chip affect the appearance of your tooth, but chips and cracks also weaken your teeth. In turn, this makes your tooth more susceptible to additional damage or infection (if bacteria enter through the crack). Plus, a sharp edge of a chipped tooth can cut your tongue or lip.
Porcelain veneers fix cracks and chips in a few ways. When each porcelain shell is cemented directly onto your tooth, it adds strength and reinforces your tooth. This helps prevent the crack from worsening, protects your tongue from cuts, and enhances the look of your smile by hiding irregularities created by chips.
If your teeth are smaller than average, it can create a “gummy smile.” Veneers can correct a gummy smile by restoring balance to your smile. Veneers can correct an unbalanced smile by adjusting the size and shape of your teeth. In other words, veneers can make small teeth look bigger, and they can also enhance the appearance of misshapen teeth.
Irregular gaps and chips can pose dental health risks. Irregular gaps can trap food and debris, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and plaque to collect. Chips can also increase your risk of oral infections if the crack is left untreated. Veneers solve both of these potential pitfalls by closing the gaps and covering chips.
Veneers are easy to clean and maintain. You can continue to brush and floss as you normally would, i.e. brush twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash.
Veneers aren’t right for everyone. In some cases, you may need orthodontic treatment, but rest assured, Dr. Teodoro guides you with your next steps 一 such as FAST BRACES® or Invisalign® options to straighten more severe alignment issues 一 if veneers can’t help you reach your goals.
If veneers are right for you, you can expect to set aside two appointments to receive your veneers: one to prep your teeth and receive your temporary veneers and a second appointment to place your permanent veneers. The process is relatively straightforward, and the result is a dazzling smile that’s sure to boost your self-confidence.
Treat yourself to a red carpet-worthy smile. To find out if veneers are the right solution for you, call our Hercules, California, office at 510-254-3328. Don’t want to wait? Use our online booking system to book your appointment today.
