3 Dental Imperfections Treated By Veneers

Dental veneers are thin slices of resin or dental ceramic that are applied to the front surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are often used to correct cosmetic imperfections of the teeth. Here are a few imperfections that veneers can typically correct:

Chipped Teeth

A tooth can easily become chipped or cracked through trauma or severe bite pressure. Once a tooth is no longer perfect, it can become a focal point of your smile. Nevertheless, a chipped tooth is often easily corrected by a dental veneer, especially if the chip only affects the enamel layer of the tooth. 

A veneer can be bonded to the tooth to hide the chip. However, before the veneer can be applied, the tooth must be debrided or roughened to ensure that the veneer adheres properly. In addition, the color of the veneer must be matched to that of the other teeth. Also, the shape of the veneer must be fashioned in a manner that allows it to blend seamlessly with the other teeth in the patient's mouth.

Discolored Teeth

Dental discolorations are often corrected using dental bleaching applications. In-office teeth-whitening procedures and at-home whitening kits are often effective at lightening dental stains. However, some stains are permanent and do not respond to dental bleaching solutions. For instance, a tooth that is darkened due to trauma will not lighten after exposure to dental bleach. In addition, teeth that are discolored due to a birth defect or to the ingestion of certain medicines, such as tetracycline, will not become brighter because of bleaching.

Permanent discoloration can still be concealed using dental veneers. The veneers can be matched to the color of other natural teeth in the patient's mouth, or the patient can choose the lightest, brightest shade available. In order to reduce the cost of the veneers, the dentist may suggest that they only be applied to the teeth that are visible when the patient speaks, smiles or laughs.

Gapped Teeth

Teeth that have large spaces next to them can also be transformed using dental veneers. The spaces can be minimized by applying veneers that are wider than the patient's natural teeth.

If you are interested in dental veneers, consult with a cosmetic dentist in your area. He or she can advise you of whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the application. He or she can also discuss budget-friendly options if veneers are suitable. Contact a company like Tore D Steinberg DDS PC for more information.

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