Porcelain Veneers in Springfield

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneers are a wafer-thin layer of porcelain that covers imperfections on the tooth surface. They’re bonded to the front of the tooth so there is little chance anyone will realize your brilliant smile has had a little boost.

Veneers can correct several aesthetic issues in your smile:

• Color: Your teeth can appear yellow or dingy after years of coffee, tea, smoking, and certain medications. Even getting older can change the color of your teeth. Veneers can restore teeth to pearly white, taking years off your appearance. Also, a single veneer can correct discoloration on a stubborn, drab tooth resistant to other whitening attempts
• Size and shape: Veneers can have a big impact on teeth that are chipped or have been shortened through tooth grinding. Veneers can help change the shape of your teeth if you think yours are too round, square, big or small to complement your features.
• Alignment and spacing: Porcelain veneers also can be an aesthetic solution for filling in small gaps between teeth and can influence other issues regarding your teeth alignment. Unlike braces or Invisalign treatment, veneers don’t actually move the teeth. The veneer on the front of the tooth simply changes its shape so it appears closer to the adjacent teeth.

Once you have decided that veneers are the answer for you, our dentist will make a mold of your teeth to make sure the fit is perfect plus looks and feels natural. Depending on the type of veneers recommended for you, the dentist may have to remove a miniscule amount of tooth enamel – less than 1 mm of the surface – before affixing your veneer. Once attached, it will be as permanent as a crown or filling and shouldn’t need replacement unless there is an unexpected issue. Go ahead and enjoy your new, improved smile.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Veneers and crowns will transform your smile, changing the color, shape, size, and overall appearance of your teeth. The difference between the two is simple: a veneer covers only the front side of your tooth while a crown covers the whole tooth down to the gums.

Veneers are used on healthy teeth that have only minor imperfections. For a tooth that has been more compromised by decay, trauma, bruxism or age, a crown is the better option because it provides strength and restores the ability to chew. A crown also is likely to be recommended for your back teeth because of the strong biting force of your molars.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

We’re hopeful your veneers will be permanent and last for decades, but their overall durability can vary depending on the brand used, lifestyle, and your attentiveness to dental care. Treat them as well as you would your natural teeth and your smile will remain brilliant for years to come.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

Treat veneers like you would your natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing to ensure a long life for your bright smile. We do recommend that you avoid biting into especially hard foods, such as candied apples. Also, please don’t use your teeth to open envelopes or packages or tear off price tags. If your veneers are helping correct and cover teeth worn down from bruxism, an unconscious habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, you should invest in a custom night guard to protect your investment. Our dentist trained in veneers in Springfield will happily review any questions or concerns you have regarding the maintenance of your new smile.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Springfield Today

If you have additional questions about veneers and their transformative results, call our staff in Springfield to make an appointment at (571) 364-7212. We look forward to assisting you on the road to a new you.