Veneers

You may have teeth that are chipped, have gaps between them or are misshapen, making you conscious and reluctant to flash your smile. San Anselmo Family Dentistry offers you a solution – Dental Veneers. A beautiful smile is just a dentist visit away!

What are veneers? Veneers are thin covers, made of materials matching the tooth color, which adheres to the front teeth giving them a better shape and look.

Veneers can help correct various dental issues. You can consider a veneer if you have any of the following issues:

• Stained teeth that cannot be corrected with simple whitening or bleaching.
• Chipped teeth/worn out teeth.
• Badly aligned, irregularly shaped teeth.
• Presence of gaps or uneven spaces between the teeth.

There are two options depending on the material you want in your veneer. Veneers can be made with either porcelain or composite resin, each having its own benefits. Feel free to contact us, and depending on your needs, we can work out what works best for you.

Porcelain veneers

Made out of porcelain, this veneer is a wafer-thin shell that is custom-made to fit naturally onto your teeth.

Benefits of porcelain veneers include:

• They are quite sturdy, strong, and last for a long time.
• They match your natural teeth well.
• Compared to dental crowns, less enamel is removed.
• They do not stain or get discolored easily.

Composite resin veneers

A composite resin veneer is a thin covering made from tooth-colored material and is bonded to the teeth to achieve the desired result.

Benefits of composite resin veneers include:

• When compared to dental crowns and porcelain veneers, typically less tooth enamel is removed.
• May require lesser visits to the dentist; sometimes done in just one sitting, thereby saving time and money.
• These cost less as compared to porcelain veneers.
• Can be easily fixed if there is any damage; they are not as strong as porcelain veneers but are easy to repair.

Before permanently cementing the veneer, it is temporarily placed to assess the fit and color. It is trimmed and cut to get the optimal fit, and the color is adjusted by the shade of the cement used. Your teeth that is to receive the veneer is cleaned and etched to roughen it, which makes it easier to form a strong bond. The veneer is placed after applying a special cement. After positioning the veneer, it is exposed to a special light beam, which hardens and cures the cement causing the bonding with the teeth.

Any excess cement is removed. Your bite and comfort are evaluated along with some last fine adjustments. Dental veneers last anywhere between 7 to 15 years, depending on wear and tear. It will then have to be replaced with a new set.

Any disease or decay should be treated before placing the veneers. Your gums and teeth must be in healthy condition. Veneers are subject to breakage and chipping. It may not be a suitable option for people who frequently clench or grind their teeth. The process cannot be reversed. Although only a little bit of the enamel is removed, your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold. Veneers may come loose with time, in which case, they have to be replaced.

It may take some time to get used to the veneers. Let your dentist know if the bite does not feel right after it was placed. The teeth can still decay, so keep up with your oral hygiene. To best protect against cavities and damages, remember to brush your teeth two times a day and floss every day. In short, it is necessary to continue your dental hygiene regime as usual.

Get in touch with San Anselmo Family Dentistry to know if the veneer is the right option for you

At San Anselmo Family Dentistry, we make it our commitment to provide the best possible care for your teeth. We will have you flaunting your teeth and smiling in no time. We have the expertise to cater to all kinds of needs. The family atmosphere of our clinic will put you at ease instantly. If you think that you could benefit from getting a veneer, be sure to reach out to us. We will answer any questions that you may have so that you can make an informed decision.