If you’ve been hiding your smile due to insecurities about mild cosmetic flaws on your teeth, then you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. Comprised of a thin sheet of porcelain or resin, veneers are a fantastic option for patients who struggle with embarrassment from small chips, cracks, stains, or even gaps between their teeth.
Our team at Ranches Family Dental can place veneers on your teeth in as little as just one or two easy appointments. If you’re looking for a way to improve your appearance and aren’t ready to consider more extensive cosmetic dental procedures, then perhaps veneers may be the ideal choice for you to boost your confidence and restore your smile.
How Dental Veneers Can Work for You
Dental veneers may seem like little miracles for people who have superficial problems with the appearance of their teeth. They’re remarkably versatile, lending improvements to a wide array of cosmetic complaints ranging from chips, stains, gaps, and even cracks in your teeth. For people who aren’t in love with the wide gap between their two front teeth, for instance, dental veneers can subtly nudge that space closer together.
Patients who have tried teeth whitening but haven’t been successful have also benefited from veneers, as these sheets of porcelain or resin can coat the stained tooth, giving it a brand-new finish. Moreover, for those of us who have dealt with unsightly chips in their teeth, a veneer can quickly hide it, making that flaw a thing of the past. However, while dental veneers are a great remedy for a variety of problems, not everyone is a good candidate for them.
Who Is A Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Patients who have the following contraindications are not advised to get dental veneers:
| • | Gum disease. If you have an active infection in your gums, it is best to wait until we have treated your gum disease before we move forward with veneers. |
| • | Tooth decay. Leaving tooth decay untreated, can lead to severe pain and even loss of your tooth. Veneers can cover fillings, so it is better to wait until after we clean and fill your tooth decay before getting veneers. |
| • | Bruxism. If you grind your teeth, then you may consider getting fitted with a nighttime mouthguard if you are thinking about veneers. The material we use is fragile and can chip easily, so you will need to protect it from the side effects of tooth grinding. |
| • | Tooth loss. Dental veneers need something to affix to, so if you have severe tooth loss, a crown, a bridge, or even a partial may be a better solution for your dental issues. |
What Is Process Like?
Depending on the type of veneer we use for you, we can either fit it in one or two appointments. Some veneers are custom fit, and those we do need to send out to our lab to have them made. We’ll take impressions of your teeth after filing down a small bit of your enamel to ensure a good fit.
If you’re considering veneers, realize that there is no turning back once you decide to get them; they’re going to have a permanent home in your mouth. Once your veneer comes back from the lab, we’ll use dental cement and a special ultraviolet (UV) light to cure it. Then we’ll buff and polish it, so it blends in flawlessly with the rest of your teeth.
Getting veneers isn’t complicated, and it can dramatically improve the self-esteem of our patients. If you have any questions about dental veneers, or you’re interested in scheduling an exam for them, please give us a call here at Ranches Family Dental at (385) 374-0500 for more information or a consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my dental veneers?
Caring for dental veneers involves regular brushing and flossing. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the veneers. Avoid biting hard objects like ice or fingernails, and refrain from using your teeth to open packages. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important to maintain the health of your veneers and surrounding teeth.
Do dental veneers look natural?
Dental veneers are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. The materials used, typically porcelain or composite resin, mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
