Dental Veneers

If you have healthy teeth that don’t require dental restoration, you may still feel that your smile could use a boost. Maybe you have slight gaps between your teeth or don’t like the way some of your front teeth are shaped. The solution to cosmetic problems like these is dental veneers. Veneers cover the front of the teeth that show when you smile, and they can make major changes to your smile from the color of your front teeth to their shape.

Dental veneers can be porcelain or composite. There are several differences between the two, which we outline below.

Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain is the most natural-looking material available for any type of dental work. Tooth enamel is translucent and reflects light, and porcelain mimics the light-reflection properties of tooth enamel so closely that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference. Porcelain is also very stain-resistant. Porcelain is strong, and porcelain veneers are permanent. Once you have porcelain veneers they cannot be removed.

Composite Veneers – The materials used for composite veneers are the same as used in dental crowns and cosmetic bonding. This material is strong and reliable, and composite veneers cost less. The material is less resistant to staining than porcelain, but composite veneers can be easily repaired or replaced.

One other difference between porcelain and composite veneers is the time it takes to have them prepared and placed. Porcelain veneers take longer, usually two appointments at minimum because they are made in a laboratory. Composite veneers can be done at chairside and generally only require one appointment.

Veneers can transform your front teeth and completely change your smile. You can choose the color of your veneers to match your other teeth, though it is important to understand that veneers themselves cannot be changed in color with teeth whitening products or professional in-office whitening. Some people choose to undergo teeth whitening first, and then choose a shade for their veneers to match the new color of their teeth.

Veneers only cover the front surface of the teeth, so they are not strong enough to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. Veneers work best for healthy, strong teeth that have cosmetic issues such as discoloration, slight gaps between them or an odd shape. Veneers are also great for covering craze lines, harmless but unsightly hairline cracks that can appear on the teeth.

If you would like to learn more about veneers or have any questions, call Smiles Depot - Lodi now. We can set up an appointment for an exam or a consultation for you to discuss any of your dental and oral health concerns.