How Veneers Can Enhance Your Smile

Dental Veneers are a common choice in Cosmetic Dentistry.

In order to be a good candidate for veneers your dentist will have to examine your teeth and gums, with pictures, models and x-rays, then put together a treatment plan that benefits you. Veneers can help you to achieve a completely new smile and can go a long way in enhancing your quality of life.

In this issue, we will discuss how Veneers can enhance your smile.

Dental veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. Think of them as “fake fingernails” that are glued over the top of your existing finger nail. Veneers are made of high-quality dental materials, like tooth-colored composite or porcelain.

Dental veneers can be used to conceal a wide range of esthetic imperfections, including chips, cracks, small teeth, gaps, discoloration and more. Veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments. There are several types of veneers available, depending on your specific goals.

How do veneers work?

Veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance your smile. They work by camouflaging cosmetic flaws. It’s important to note that veneers are only an option if you’re free of cavities and gum disease. If you have serious oral health issues, you must address those first before having cosmetic treatments.

What is the difference between Veneers & Crowns?

A porcelain veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. A dental crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth structure to add strength and protection.

Dental veneers are cosmetic treatment. In other words, they improve your smile, but they don’t necessarily strengthen or repair your teeth. While crowns can also improve the appearance of your teeth, their main purpose is to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or trauma.

Different types of veneers:

Composite veneers can conceal mild cosmetic issues. Your dentist uses a tooth-colored composite resin that is bonded directly on the outer surface of your front teeth.

Porcelain veneers manages a number of cosmetic imperfections. These restorations are custom-made to fit your existing teeth. Before placement, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your natural teeth. This roughens your teeth surfaces and helps your new veneers bone to the underlying tooth structure.

No-prep or minimal prep veneers are the less invasive option. Like traditional porcelain veneers, no-prep veneers are custom-made for your smile. However, they require less enamel removal than traditional veneers.No-prep veneers aren’t right for everyone. Ask your dentist to see if you are a candidate.

Dental veneers offer a number of benefits:

• Veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Veneers blend in with your natural teeth and look like natural teeth.
• Veneers resist staining better than your natural tooth enamel.
• Veneers have a lifespan of 10 years or more with proper care.

Recommendations to keep your veneers looking and feeling great:

• Brush at least twice a day with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush especially at night before bedtime.
• Floss between your teeth at least once daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
• Never use your teeth as tools (such as opening packages, caps on bottles or tearing off clothing tags).
• Visit your dentist every six month for routine exams and cleanings.

No one should go through life struggling with their confidence because of their teeth. There are many options in cosmetic dentistry. Veneers is a viable option to get you feeling and looking your best in 2024.

Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is Founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau. He is the first Bahamian Specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He also is a certified Fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or [email protected].