Teeth that are crooked, misshapen, broken, discolored, or worn down can hurt your self-esteem and keep you from smiling as often as you’d like. However, patients of Dr. Terry Vines of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry in Redlands, CA, are finding ways to improve the appearance of their smiles through cosmetic dentistry.
One cosmetic dentistry option that is working well for many of Dr. Vines’ patients is porcelain dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells, created for each individual tooth. The shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to cover cosmetic imperfections such as misshape, discoloration, or misalignment.
Applying veneers typically takes several trips to Dr. Vines over the course of several weeks. However, when the process is complete, patients can be proud of their straighter, whiter, more beautiful and natural-looking smiles.
Veneers have several advantages. First, they don’t require extensive filing of the teeth like other dental procedures. Therefore, they are ideal for patients who only need to cover cosmetic concerns. Additionally, because the veneers are created uniquely for each patient, the shade of the veneers can be an exact match to your natural teeth. If you’re looking for a whiter smile, you can boost the shade. Finally, veneers are strong and function just like your natural teeth.
When considering dental veneers, patients can choose between composite resin and porcelain. The resin veneers can be completed in a single visit. However, porcelain veneers are not as likely to be discolored as resin. The porcelain veneers also reflect light just like natural teeth and they are tolerated better by the gums.
With the right oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and avoiding bad habits, veneers can last for more than 10 years. Patients should take care to avoid biting or chewing on hard objects such as ice or pens, because the veneers can chip or break, just like natural teeth. If you believe that it’s time to improve the appearance of your smile, call Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry today.