What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain bonded to your permanent teeth. They cover imperfections that won’t respond to other types of treatment like teeth whitening.
Some people get only one veneer to address a chipped or stained tooth, but most people get between six and eight to achieve a balanced, symmetrical smile.
What types of cosmetic issues can veneers correct?
At The Bonner Dental Network PC, Dr. Bonner uses veneers to correct various cosmetic issues, including:
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth that won’t respond to whitening
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Pointy or unusually shaped teeth
You might also benefit from veneers if you have broken, chipped, or damaged teeth.
What does getting veneers involve?
At The Bonner Dental Network PC, getting veneers takes two appointments spaced a week apart.
At your first appointment, Dr. Bonner conducts an oral exam and asks about your goals for treatment. Then, he takes a series of oral X-rays to assess the position of your teeth and the health of your gums. If he notices any signs of gum disease or improper alignment, he might recommend scaling and root planing or orthodontics before continuing with treatment.
If your teeth are aligned and your gums appear healthy, Dr. Bonner administers a local anesthetic and removes a thin layer of enamel from each tooth. Next, he takes digital impressions of your teeth with the intraoral scanner and sends them to a dental laboratory.
The dental laboratory uses your impressions to make a series of custom veneers. About a week later, you return to The Bonner Dental Network PC. Dr. Bonner lines up the veneers with your teeth and carefully bonds them in place. Then, he removes any excess material, polishes them, and provides care instructions.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers typically last 12-15 years, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan with good oral hygiene. Dr. Bonner recommends wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports and brushing and flossing daily. In addition, visit The Bonner Dental Network PC at least twice a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
To learn more about veneers and their ability to change the esthetic appearance of your smile, make an appointment at The Bonner Dental Network PC. Call the office to speak with a member of the support team or click the online booking tool.
