Dental veneers are used as part of cosmetic dentistry to treat chipped, worn, crooked, and/or discolored teeth. Veneers are a thin, custom-made facing that is bonded to the front of the tooth, and greatly enhances the appearance of the tooth.

The right veneers will improve your smile quickly. We like using veneers as they are a less intrusive option compared to crowns and bridges. Veneers are often used to close the gaps or to help correct misalignments.  Patients with severe stains, chips, and fractured teeth are those that often see a drastic improvement in their smile.

Porcelain Veneers

The most common veneers are porcelain veneers as they can last upwards of 10 to 20 years for some patients. These veneers look similar to natural teeth and blend well to improve a patient’s smile.

How Long Do Veneers Take?

Normally veneers will take two appointments to complete. We will need to focus on getting the right shape for the veneer, and they will be created at an offsite laboratory that specializes in porcelain veneers. Typically patients do not need anesthesia when we place a veneer as we do not expose the root of a tooth. Only a small section of enamel is removed to bond the veneer to the tooth.

How to Care for Veneers

Veneers need to be cared for properly to ensure they will remain bonded to the teeth. Brush and floss your teeth as you would your regular teeth. Non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is the best one to maintain the veneers. You need to consider limiting harsh foods from your diet like soda, coffee, and foods that are hard and could require a great deal of force from the jaw and teeth to eat.

The veneers will need to be replaced at some point. Similar to dental crowns there will be some gum recession and worries about the veneer becoming loose. Regular dental examinations and cleanings at our Brigham City dental office are the best way to ensure your veneer is strong and bonding properly to your tooth.