What Are Dental Veneers?

If you’re new to cosmetic dental treatments, you might have heard the term ‘veneers’ without fully understanding what it means. Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. 

Crafted from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are made individually for each patient to resemble one’s natural teeth. They look so realistic that, short of confessing, no one will know the secret behind the glittering smile you now bear.

Types of Dental Veneers

The materials used in veneers are stain-resistant, meaning your new teeth will appear natural and retain their brightness, offering you a permanently whiter and more attractive smile. Types of veneers you can choose from at our office include: 

eMax or Empress Veneers: These are crafted from high-quality ceramic materials, offering unparalleled durability and aesthetic appeal. eMax veneers are made from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, known for their strength and transparency, which closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. On the other hand, Empress veneers come from pressed ceramic, offering excellent fit and color match. Both Emax and Empress veneers require minimal tooth preparation, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.

Prepless Veneers: As the name suggests, prepless veneers require no or minimal tooth surface preparation. They are ultra-thin laminates designed to adhere directly to the front of the teeth, making them a conservative alternative to traditional veneers. Prepless veneers are ideal for patients seeking to improve the aesthetics of their smile without undergoing significant dental procedures. They are best suited for minor cosmetic adjustments, such as correcting slight discoloration, minor chips, or gaps between teeth.

Who Should Consider Dental Veneers?

The decision to pursue dental veneers is personal, but there are several common reasons patients choose to undergo this procedure. 

• Discolored Teeth: Teeth can become discolored by root canal treatment, other fillings, and the consumption of certain foods or drinks. Using veneers, you can correct the seriousness of the tooth discoloration and achieve the perfect degree of whiteness. 
• Worn Down, Chipped, or Broken Teeth: Over time, teeth’ natural wear and tear can be exacerbated by other factors, such as clenching and grinding. Veneers can provide a durable shell to counteract these effects.
• Misaligned, Uneven, or Irregularly Shaped Teeth: Dental veneers offer a cosmetic fix to minor misalignments, whether they involve positioning, shape, or spacing issues. They can also be a perfect solution for a noticeably irregular tooth.
• Teeth with Gaps: Veneers can be crafted to close gaps between teeth. This treatment can significantly benefit patients with diastema, enlarged gaps, or missing tooth structure.

Dental veneers might be the answer if you resonate with any of these issues and yearn for a straighter, more uniform, and dazzling smile. Please schedule a consultation with our dental team today to see if dental veneers are your cosmetic solution. 

The Dental Veneer Process and Aftercare

The process of applying dental veneers involves multiple steps. First, a consultation is necessary to determine whether veneers are the best option for you. Subsequently, your teeth will undergo a mock-up to ensure the perfect fit and color match. The actual bonding of the veneer to your tooth is a precise and permanent procedure that, when done right, stays with you for decades.

1. Consultation: This is where Dr. Johnson, Dr. Elkhatieb, or Dr. Patel will discuss your goals and expectations. We will discuss the suitability of veneers, the health of your teeth, and what kind of preparation may be needed.
2. Preparation: In this step, a small amount of enamel, usually less than a millimeter, is removed from your tooth to make room for the veneer. This is a critical step as it ensures a natural fit and allows for the thickness of the veneer.
3. Impression: Once we finish preparing the teeth, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Elkhatieb, or Dr. Patel will take an impression of your mouth. We will send this model to the dental laboratory, where specialists will create your veneers. 
4. Temporaries: In certain cases, temporary veneers may be placed while you wait for your permanent ones to protect the treated teeth.
5. Bonding: Dr. Johnson, Dr. Elkhatieb, or Dr. Patel will fit your veneers in place, then trim and shape them accordingly. The final step is to bond them using a special cement, which is then hardened using a curing light.

Aftercare

Veneers require the same maintenance as regular teeth. They are also resilient to stains, but avoiding consuming items that could cause discoloration is always best.

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily to keep your veneers in pristine condition.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candies, or pens, which can chip or damage veneers.
• Wear Protection: If you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your veneers.
• Limit Stain-inducing Substances: Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to prevent staining your veneers.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Ensure you have routine dental visits for professional cleaning and to check the condition of your veneers.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

1. Enhanced Appearance: Dental veneers offer a quick transformation to one’s smile, correcting imperfections such as discoloration, chips, and gaps. Made to match the shape and color of natural teeth, veneers provide a bright, balanced smile that is both noticeable and subtly natural. They can address various aesthetic concerns, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to improve their smile.
2. Durability and Longevity: One of the significant benefits of dental veneers is their durability. With proper care, veneers can last for decades. Made from materials like porcelain and composite resin, they resist stains and chips. This makes them an excellent long-term investment in your smile, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular dental hygiene practices.
3. Stain Resistance: Unlike natural teeth, dental veneers are highly resistant to staining. This is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to tooth discoloration due to factors like coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. Porcelain veneers, in particular, have a smooth, glass-like finish that repels permanent stains, keeping teeth looking whiter and brighter for more extended periods.
4. Minimal Enamel Removal: Unlike other dental procedures requiring significant alteration to the natural tooth, veneers typically require minimal enamel removal. This aspect is crucial for maintaining the strength and integrity of the natural tooth while still achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. It allows for a transformation that is both conservative and effective.
5. Customization and Confidence Boost: Dental veneers are highly customizable and tailored to fit a patient’s teeth’ unique size, shape, and color. This customization ensures that veneers look natural and fit comfortably. Beyond the physical benefits, veneers often significantly boost self-confidence, as patients feel more secure and optimistic about their smiles. This psychological benefit can translate into improved social interactions and quality of life.

Dental Veneers in Vacaville, CA

The dental veneer process is a harmonious and skillful collaboration between art and science, led by our diligent team, Dr. Randy Johnson, Dr. Amro Elkhatieb, and Dr. Pratik Patel, at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry. Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Vacaville, CA, is making decisions about your dental experience and smile. If you’re considering the life-changing advantages of dental veneers, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our esteemed team today!