Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

Veneers are one of the many cosmetic dental services that you can get from a cosmetic dentist. They are thin, light moulds designed to be fit over the teeth in order to provide cover or protection. Veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin materials. If you're interested in dental veneers, this article will inform you what to expect and the benefits of having veneers.

What are veneers for?

Veneers can be used to cover a number of problems with teeth. These include:

• Severely discoloured teeth that cannot be restored using whitening services.
• Teeth that are too short, too worn or oddly shaped or poorly aligned.
• Teeth with damage such as cracks, grooves, dents or pits.
• Teeth with gaps in between.

How is it done?

Veneer installation is done in the cosmetic dentist's office. Your dentist will first examine you and see if you are a good candidate.

Things to check for include:

• Your teeth are not sensitive.
• You don't have any existing dental diseases such as tooth decay or periodontal disease.
• Your teeth thickness is not too worn.

Once your dentist is comfortable that the procedure can offer the results you're looking for, they'll begin the process. They'll take moulds of your teeth and order veneers for the concerned teeth. They will then begin preparing your teeth for the veneers. This will involve wearing away a thin layer of your outer tooth surface to create room for the veneers.

When the veneers are ready, your cosmetic dentist will etch your tooth to create a rough surface. They will then apply some dental cement and attach the veneers onto your teeth. A special light will then be used to cure the cement and make the veneers stick permanently. Your dentist will then request a follow up visit to check if the veneers are well-attached and positioned onto the teeth.

Benefits of veneers

• Veneers look just like your teeth and people will hardly notice you have them on.
• Veneers of a whiter shade can be installed to dramatically improve your smile.
• Veneers made of porcelain are stain-resistant and will make keeping teeth white easy.
• Veneers need less work compared to crowns, implants or bridges.

If you think you would benefit from having veneers, talk to a cosmetic dentist and let him/her know what dental problem you want to fix. With just one consultation, they can tell you if you're a good candidate and what to expect from the process.