Veneers 一 thin porcelain shells that cover the front surface of your natural teeth 一 are one of the best cosmetic dentistry treatment options for enhancing the appearance of your smile. They’ve been a common option for years, yet there are still many misconceptions regarding veneers.
That’s why Kevin Miller, DDS, and our team here at Dentistry in Paradise in Santa Barbara, California, created this guide about dental veneers to separate the myths from the facts.
Fact: While veneers are well-known for their ability to brighten up even the dullest of smiles, they do far more. Veneers can enhance the size, shape, and color of your teeth.
Your new veneers can:
Thanks to the strength of porcelain, veneers also safeguard your tooth if it’s been chipped or worn. They help protect against the discomfort of tooth sensitivity and against problems related to untreated chips. For instance, the sharp edge of a chipped tooth can cut your lip or tongue.
Fact: While the results of your veneers are sure to turn heads (hello, gorgeous smile!), the veneers themselves aren’t noticeable. Porcelain veneers reflect light the same way your natural teeth do, and many people won’t even know you have veneers unless you tell them.
The size, shape, color, and thickness of the veneers are also customizable. In other words, your new veneers blend in flawlessly with your natural teeth.
Not only do veneers look natural, but they also fit snugly against your natural teeth. Veneers aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Thanks to innovative dental advancements, Dr. Miller creates your veneers from physical impressions of your teeth, allowing for a perfect fit.
Fact: Getting veneers is neither painful nor complicated. This myth was born from the fact that your natural teeth must be prepared before you can receive your veneers. The process involves a few key steps:
Once your permanent veneers are ready, you return to our office where we permanently bond your beautiful veneers to your teeth.
Removing a thin layer of enamel may sound painful, but it’s not. At Dentistry in Paradise, we provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and keep you comfortable.
Fact: Once you have veneers, you’ll always need them. With the right at-home care and routine dental cleanings, your veneers can last anywhere from 10-20 years before they need to be replaced.
You can prolong the life of your veneers by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two full minutes, flossing regularly, refraining from chewing non-food items like ice or pen caps, and never using your teeth as tools.
Bruxism can damage your natural teeth as well as veneers, so if you grind your teeth while you sleep, wearing a nightguard can help avoid damage.
Are you ready to transform your smile with veneers? Because veneers are so individualized, we start the veneer conversation with a one-on-one consultation during which Dr. Miller discusses your aesthetic goals, answers any questions you have, and ensures that veneers are the right smile solution for you.
Book your consultation today at Dentistry in Paradise by calling 805-967-0272 or using our online appointment request form.
