Dental Veneers

Durango, CO

What is a Dental Veneer?

Dental veneers are also known as porcelain veneers and dental porcelain laminates. They consist of thin pieces of porcelain or ceramic material that are custom made for every patient and are what Dentists use to cover up different types of tooth imperfections. They are bonded to a tooth using a special bonding material. Call Durango Dentistry today to discuss if an in-office or lab made veneer option is the best option for you.

How is a Dental Veneer Used?

We can accomplish a variety of things using dental veneers. By placing veneers on top of the teeth, we can close gaps, make teeth even in length, cover dark stains and create a uniform-looking smile. As long as the tooth structure is intact, we can restore the appearance of a tooth while making it possible to eat and speak without feeling any discomfort. In this way, veneers can create a smile that rivals the most famous Hollywood stars. The nice thing is that you do not have to be famous to improve your smile. You simply need to call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Greg Mann and Dr. Steven Reed.

The Procedure

When patients visit our Durango Dentistry offices, we will take an impression of their teeth to create the veneers in a lab. The veneers will match the size, shape, and color of your teeth, taking a week or more to create.

In order to place dental veneers, we will first prepare your tooth by removing a portion of the enamel. This helps the veneer lay flat and in line with your gum tissue. After preparing the tooth, we will secure a temporary veneer using removable glue. While wearing a temporary veneer, it is important to brush your teeth gently and avoid eating any foods that may push them out of place. Since it is secured by removable glue, it can be moved fairly easily.

When your permanent veneers are ready, you will come back to Durango Dentistry so that we can remove the temporary and ensure that the new veneer is a perfect fit. It is typically attached using a water-based solution to see how it looks. If any adjustments need to be made, it will be done at this time. Otherwise, the tooth will be cleaned, and the dental veneer will be bonded to the tooth. Patients will enjoy how the results look. They are instant, and you can start flashing your smile right away.

After the Procedure

Your teeth will typically be sore for a few days after the preparation phase and after placing the permanent veneers. During this time, you can take pain medication to help you stay comfortable. Patients can also benefit from getting rest and using a cold compress to reduce any swelling. We recommend that patients watch what they eat for a few days and stick with foods that are soft. While there is a short recovery time when getting veneers, the procedure is entirely worth it because in the end, you will have a beautiful smile.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

One main benefit of veneers that patients enjoy is how the veneers make their teeth look. This procedure is an excellent solution, since the veneers can transform your smile into one that looks perfect and beautiful. The veneer uses your natural teeth, so there is no need for surgery, and the recovery time is reduced. Since the veneers are made to match your other teeth, they will look natural, and no one will be able to tell that you had any cosmetic dentistry work completed. Another benefit is that they are made out of a stain resistant material. This means that your teeth will stay whiter and brighter, even if your favorite beverage is a hot cup of coffee. We can use dental veneers to transform your smile.

Think that dental veneers may be the right choice for you? If one or more of your teeth are chipped, broken, stained or oddly shaped, know that these are just a few of the problems that veneers can fix. There have been many improvements in the dental niche in recent years, all of which give patients access to more ways to make cosmetic improvements that allow them to have a pleasant-looking smile.

Want straighter teeth and wondering if dental veneers are the right option for you? Many people associate teeth straightening with wearing braces. But, there are other ways you can have your teeth straightened besides wearing braces. These other options include clear plastic aligners, dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Wearing braces is one of the more common options dental patients choose when wanting straighter teeth. But wearing braces takes an average of about 18 months to work. Wearing clear plastic aligners is another option and takes an average of about 12 to 15 months to work.

The Downside

As with most cosmetic procedures, there can be some discomfort associated with getting dental veneers installed. This is to be expected, however, we do our best to keep patients comfortable during the procedure so that you will not experience any pain while the veneers are being placed or your teeth are being prepared. The process can take several weeks so there will be a period where you need to be careful about what you eat and what activities you engage in. In other words, do not play football after getting temporary veneers placed onto your teeth. You should schedule the procedure for a time when you will be close to home and able to take it easy.

Dental bonding and veneers are two straightening options for teeth that can be done in only one or two dental visits.

The interesting history of veneers

While it is easy to classify veneers as some modern innovation, these devices have actually been used for over a century. They were invented by Dr. Charles Pincus, a famous dentist who treated many celebrities. He would create tooth-shaped shells that he temporarily attached to his client's teeth before movie shoots. Dr. Pincus' tooth covers are responsible for many of the stunning smiles that have now become a trademark of Hollywood celebrities.

The technology was perfected by others who came afterward, and veneers are now permanently attached to people's teeth all over the world. Now, anyone can have the type of smile that was once reserved for only the rich and famous. Nowadays, veneers are often combined with other cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening to ensure patients have smiles they can be proud of.

Dental veneers can be used to deal with issues like:

• Cracked teeth

• Chipped teeth

• Minor alignment issues

• Severe stains and discoloration

• Gaps

The best candidates for veneers are typically people who have good oral hygiene habits, healthy teeth and gums, have sufficient amounts of enamel and clear goals.

Figuring out if dental veneers are the best option

Patients need to have good oral health to qualify for veneers. People with conditions like gum disease, bruxism and tooth decay typically are not eligible. The dentist will treat any underlying issue before proceeding with the installation of veneers. If the dentist is not able to address an underlying issue like teeth grinding, which can damage veneers or cause them to fall off, they will advise the patient about other alternatives.