What are veneers?
Porcelain dental veneers are paper thin, highly durable shells that cover the front of your teeth to hide imperfections in your smile.
Dr. Santos matches the veneers to your exact tooth color to make a perfect, natural blend.
You’ll also be pleased to know that veneers don’t stain like your regular teeth, so darker beverages won’t cause a problem.
What issues can veneers resolve?
Veneers are a popular way to hide a range of cosmetic concerns, such as teeth that are:
- Misaligned
- Chipped
- Discolored
- Gapped
- Misshapen
- Pitted
- Stained
How are veneers applied?
Dr. Santos uses a handheld tool to sand off a microscopic layer of the tooth’s enamel and takes a quick impression of your teeth. A lab uses the impressions to engineer your new veneers to perfectly fit.
At your fitting appointment, Dr. Santos:
- Cleans and dries each tooth before applying the veneers
- Paints on a thin coating of ultra-strong adhesive
- Presses the veneers in place over each tooth
- Hovers a special light over the veneer to speed the drying process
- Checks your bite
Does it hurt when veneers are applied?
You’ll feel Dr. Santos applying pressure as she attaches the veneer to the tooth, but it’s not invasive and doesn’t even require numbing medication. It’s possible that your teeth will be sensitive during the enamel reduction phase, but this is mild and short-lived.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers aren’t permanent, but they are a long-term solution to cosmetic problems. In general, veneers last between 10-15 years.
To help protect your investment and get the most out of your veneers:
- Don’t bite down on ice or hard candy
- Brush and floss regularly to prevent decay in the teeth under the veneers
- Sleep in a night guard to protect against teeth grinding
- Schedule regular dental cleanings
To learn more about how dental veneers can improve your smile and boost your confidence, call the office to book a consultation or schedule an appointment online.
