What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin shells placed on the surface of your tooth to correct small flaws. Veneers are often made from porcelain or composite resin and are custom-made to blend in with other teeth.  

Veneers can cover minor flaws and imperfections in your teeth, like gaps, misalignments, chips, cracks, and more. They offer people who are unhappy with their smiles an option to improve their appearance that’s less invasive than traditional crowns or braces.

How do veneers improve your smile?

Veneers are made from materials that mimic the look of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and don’t irritate your gum tissue. When you get veneers, your dentist custom-makes each veneer to closely match the color of your teeth and fit perfectly into your mouth, creating a seamless, more-perfect smile.

Once placed, veneers don’t require special care. You can continue to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks. Brush and floss your teeth and use mouthwash as normal.

Veneers are irreversible and can last 7-15 years. They’re permanently bonded to your teeth so it’s important you’re sure about veneers before you get them.

Who should consider veneers?

Dental veneers can correct a variety of cosmetic issues. Veneers can dramatically improve your smile if your teeth are:

• Discolored due to root canal, resin fillings, or stains
• Worn down
• Chipped, broken, or damaged
• Uneven or irregularly shaped
• Gapped
• Short or gummy

For minor irregularities and damage, veneers are a less-obtrusive option to correct your teeth. Many patients opt for veneers as an easy cosmetic solution to straighten smiles and brighten teeth.

How are veneers applied?

At Alluna Dental, getting veneers usually requires three trips to the office. In your initial consultation, your dentist talks with you about your desired results and whether dental veneers are right for you. They examine the health of your teeth and gums, possibly taking X-rays or impressions of your teeth. Then, they custom-make and apply your veneers in your next visits.

When your dental veneers are applied, your dentist removes a tiny amount of tooth surface to prepare it for the veneer. They measure and trim each veneer for a perfect fit, and permanently bond it to your tooth with special cement.

Depending on your situation, you can have a veneer put on just one tooth, or you can have more than one veneer applied at once to dramatically enhance your smile. Once you have your veneers, you may have a follow-up appointment to see how you’re adjusting to your new smile.

If you’re ready to take the first step to a new smile with dental veneers, call or use the online booking tool to make an appointment at Alluna Dental today.