Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of the front surface of the teeth. They can correct the appearance of imperfections and, in some cases, be used as an alternative to a crown. Veneers are porcelain, and your cosmetic dentist bonds them directly to the teeth. Here’s a closer look at the process of applying veneers and the benefits you can enjoy from them.

The Process of Getting Veneers

The process starts with a routine examination with Dr. Tiffany Shields. Your teeth will be examined, and you’ll discuss your smile goals with the doctor. Veneers might not be ideal for meeting your goals so the doctor will discuss your options. Situations in which veneers might be a good solution include:

• Filling in unwanted gaps between teeth
• Resurfacing and preserving teeth that are damaged, chipped, or cracked
• Creating a uniform appearance and color of the teeth
• Adding dimension to undersized teeth

Digital imaging is used to create an exact match for your teeth. Our porcelain veneers are fashioned in a laboratory setting, so they will be a perfect fit when installed. The shape and color of the veneers can be customized to match your natural teeth and facial features.

During the installation procedure, the doctor will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth using a specialized tool. The amount of enamel removed is about the thickness of a contact lens. This is done to make room for the veneers to be installed. Tooth enamel doesn’t contain nerve endings, so this procedure has no discomfort. A small amount of local anesthetic might be applied when a patient has very sensitive teeth. It’s a painless process.

Once the teeth are ready, Dr. Shields will temporarily place the veneers on them. If any final adjustments are needed, they can be made now. To finish the process, the veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth with a strong dental adhesive.

The result is a natural-looking and durable smile enhancement!

Longevity of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a semi-permanent procedure to enhance teeth. According to a review published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, when properly cared for, veneers have a high survival rate of over 90 percent for more than 10 years. The amount of enamel preserved during removal also plays a key role in how long veneers will last.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Data suggests that the popularity of veneers has increased by more than 250 percent in recent years as people discover the procedure’s benefits.

Aesthetic Improvements

Veneers can correct the appearance of discolored teeth. If a person’s stained teeth resist professional whitening techniques, veneers can be a viable solution. Veneers are a more conservative approach to closing gaps between teeth or correcting minor misalignments than orthodontic treatment with braces. They can also cover up chips or cracks to give the teeth a more uniform appearance.

Longevity

Porcelain veneers are much more stain-resistant than tooth enamel. They are also highly resistant to wear and tear and less prone to chipping than composite bonding. As mentioned above, veneers can last longer than 10 years with proper care.

Minimally Invasive

The veneers process removes much less of your natural tooth enamel than is often required with dental crowns. The process is painless for most people since only the front enamel is removed. They can also be fashioned and installed in as little as two visits.

Natural Look & Feel

High-quality porcelain reflects light similarly to real teeth, so no one has to know you’ve had veneers installed. Each veneer is shaped to blend in with the rest of your teeth seamlessly. Once bonded, veneers feel smooth and natural in the mouth. After getting veneers, many people report greater happiness with their appearance and improved self-esteem.

Contact Smiles by Shields for Dental Veneers

If you think you might be a good candidate for veneers and want to improve your smile, contact us at Smiles by Shields in Jacksonville, FL, at (904) 731-0777 to schedule an appointment.