Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers, sometimes referred to as porcelain veneers, are extremely thin shells custom-fitted over the front of your natural teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to your teeth to give each of them the desired color, shape, size, and alignment.

Dental veneers are most often made of porcelain, but can also be made of dental resin composite. While both are effective options, porcelain veneers better mimic your natural teeth and are more resistant to stains from food and beverages. 

What kinds of problems do veneers correct?

Veneers are a versatile solution for a variety of cosmetic dental issues. Some of the most common reasons people get veneers include:

• Discolored teeth, often caused by root canal treatment, drugs like tetracycline, excessive fluoride use, or large resin fillings
• Worn-down teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth with gaps between them

If you’re interested in improving any cosmetic aspect of your teeth, talk to Dr. Livingston about what veneers can do for you. 

What is it like to get veneers?

It usually takes three trips to the Dental Care Center of Decatur to get veneers. The first visit is a consultation with Dr. Livingston to determine if veneers are the best option for your smile and your aesthetic goals. It’s important to know what you’d like to achieve with veneers before starting the process. To make sure that the veneers fit you perfectly, Dr. Livingston may take X-rays or an impression of your teeth.

The next step is preparing your teeth to support the veneers by removing a thin top layer of enamel from your teeth. The layer Dr. Livingston removes will be the same thickness as the veneer that is being added so your teeth don’t feel larger or look too big for your mouth.

Next, a model is taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab to construct your veneers to the exact size and shape of your teeth. This may take a few weeks, but you can get temporary veneers in the meantime if you’re uncomfortable with the way your teeth look.

Once the veneer is ready, Dr. Livingston will place it over your teeth to check the fit, shape, and color. If everything looks as expected, your teeth will be etched slightly to accept the dental bonding, and the veneer is bonded into place.

If you’re interested in what veneers can do for your smile, call the Dental Care Center of Decatur or make an appointment online.