A Veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth’s surface to improve the look and appearance of the tooth as well as to protect a damaged surface. There are many different types of veneer surfaces including a composite or porcelain layer. By placing ceramic porcelain on the surface of teeth, dentists can provide patients with bright, straight, and natural looking smiles.

The glass-like ceramic that forms porcelain veneers closely resembles natural tooth enamel. This is because, much like real tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are translucent. When light strikes a natural tooth’s surface, it is not immediately reflected off. Instead, it penetrates the tooth enamel and reflects off the opaque tooth that lies just beneath.

Chipped or damaged teeth, discolourations and gaps between your teeth can change the way you feel. If your self-confidence is affected by the appearance of your teeth, you may be considering dental veneers. Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that cover your existing teeth to hide common problems with a new, whiter and brighter finish. At Long Beach Dental Group we can offer advice on whether dental veneers are a suitable solution and the options available to you.

You might be interested in dental veneers if:

– You have chipped or broken teeth.
– Your teeth are discolored.
– You have gaps between your teeth.
– Your teeth have become worn down.
– You have misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.

There are two kinds of dental veneers

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting, natural looking teeth that are crafted in the finest detail to look just like natural teeth by specialist technicians in a dental laboratory. These are usually fitted in two or three appointments and require some preparation to your existing teeth, for example a small amount of your existing enamel needs to be removed in order to adhere the veneers directly to your teeth.

Composite veneers can be applied in one visit. Layers of resin are applied directly to the tooth, masking any damaged enamel, which is then sculpted to the correct shape and size to look just like natural teeth. Composite veneers are a good option if you have stained or slightly damaged teeth, such as a chipped or cracked tooth.

What are dental veneers made from?

Porcelain is a type of glass, which means that this method of teeth coating is not as susceptible to stains as composite veneers, and their overall appearance is also brighter and shinier.

Composite veneers are made from a tooth colored resin (similar to that used for tooth fillings) and are close to plastic in nature. As resin is porous, it is sensitive to stains. If you have composite veneers fitted is advised that you regularly have them professionally polished at our office.

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers are a durable way to improve your smile. The lifetime of your veneers is subject to your dental care routine, your lifestyle and the kind of veneer you have had fitted. Well-cared for porcelain veneers will last between 10-20 years, while composite veneers should last between four to eight years. Make sure that you continue to see your dentist regularly. Good communication between you and your dentist will ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and that your natural teeth and gums remain healthy.

How do I get dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers are an irreversible dental procedure, so it’s important that you speak to your dentist. They will discuss all your options and thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. If you are having porcelain veneers fitted then this will usually take two appointments, as the veneers are created to your unique specification in a dental laboratory.

During your first visit, your dentist will clean your teeth (or tooth) and note the correct shade for your veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed at this stage in order to adhere your veneers to your natural teeth. An impression of your teeth is then made to send to the laboratory while a temporary veneer is provided. Once your custom-made porcelain veneers arrive at our office, you are ready to have them permanently fitted. Teeth are cleaned and polished and the new, porcelain veneers are fitted using a special adhesive which requires light-curing for at least 60 seconds. After this, any excess material is removed and your teeth are tidied and polished to ensure the perfect, natural finish.

As composite veneers are molded directly onto your teeth, these can be applied in one visit, so you can walk away with a new smile the same day. After your teeth have been prepared, a resin is applied and molded to your teeth. You can trust that your Long Beach Dental Group dentist is highly skilled in the art of sculpting the resin to look at natural as possible.

How do I care for my dental veneers?

About one to two weeks after your dental veneers have been fitted, your dentist will see you for a review to make sure that you are happy with the look and feel of them, examine your gums and answer any queries you may have.

Treat your dental veneers as you would your own teeth, by brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing twice a day. Dental veneers, just like your enamel, can become stained. You can keep them looking pearly white by limiting the amount of black coffee you drink, giving up smoking and avoiding foods that may stain. Porcelain veneers are less likely to stain, but you should be careful when eating particularly hard foods – porcelain is a kind of glass, so while strong it is also brittle.

Dental veneers will usually need to be replaced at some point, but by keeping up a good oral hygiene routine you can ensure that they last for as long as possible. By visiting your dentist for a check up at least once a year, and booking regular appointments with our office, you will ensure that your veneers stay in the best possible condition.

If you think that dental veneers are for you, make an appointment today at (562) 439-0494 for a consultation to further discuss your options.