How long is your dental wish list? If you’re like most patients, you’ve considered several cosmetic dental treatments to help whiten, straighten or reshape your teeth -- but for a total smile makeover, natural-looking veneers may be the fastest way to create a beautiful new smile.

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are attached to your existing teeth to meet a variety of cosmetic goals. Your dentist can match them to your natural or desired tooth color for a uniform, authentic appearance. Veneers are also highly stain-resistant and may actually strengthen your natural teeth.

Instant Smile Makeover

There are many reasons you and your dentist may choose porcelain veneers, but if you have any of the following dental conditions, you may find them especially helpful:

- Dull or stained teeth
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- A diastema (gap) between your front teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen, too small or too big
- Chipped or broken teeth

Rather than spending years with braces and multiple appointments for bonding, whitening and other cosmetic procedures, your dentist can completely transform your smile with veneers in only two dental visits.

Your Dentist Develops a Special Bond

During your first appointment, your dentist will remove a thin layer of each tooth’s surface to allow for the new veneer and may take X-rays and/or dental impressions. If needed, you may also be fitted with temporary veneers while your permanent fixtures are milled in a lab. Once your custom-made porcelain veneers are prepared, they are cosmetically bonded to your teeth for a natural-looking, picture-perfect smile.

Caring For Your New Smile

You should brush and floss your veneers the same way you care for your natural teeth. Your dentist may also recommend that you wear a night guard to avoid damaging your veneers while asleep. Although the durable porcelain helps prevent future staining, you should still avoid foods like coffee, tea and red wine as much as possible. This type of procedure is generally not reversible because of the preparation involved, but when properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last from ten to fifteen years.

With veneers, you can have a smile that you’re proud of in no time! To find out if you’re a good candidate for veneers, visit a veneers dentist for a smile consultation today.

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