What are veneers?
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the most important or most often asked question we get is, what are veneers? A lot of people, when they think of improving their smile, the word "veneer" pops into their mind. You've probably heard about veneers, maybe on the news or from movie stars in Hollywood. To put it simply, a veneer is a covering that goes over your natural tooth. It can be made of different materials, such as a fancy kind of porcelain or a filling material that we sculpt right on your tooth in the office. Regardless of the material, the purpose of a veneer is to cover your existing teeth to improve their appearance.
How can veneers improve the looks of teeth?
You might want to improve the looks by way of color. Maybe your smile isn't quite bright enough, and you've tried whitening products without success. Veneers are excellent for brightening smiles because they cover your teeth and enhance the color. We can choose essentially any color for your veneer, though if you request green or purple, I'm probably going to say no. Veneers can also change the shape of your teeth. If you have a misshapen tooth, gaps, or teeth that are too short or long, veneers can solve these issues. They provide artistic ability to create the ideal situation for your smile.
How many veneers do I need?
The number of veneers you need depends on what you want to achieve. If you desire a drastic change, brightening just one or two front teeth might not look natural. Instead, you would want to improve your entire smile. For drastic changes, we often call it a smile makeover, as we can recreate a whole new smile for you in a matter of a day or two. Sometimes it might take longer, but you'd be surprised how quickly we can change a person's smile.
What about tooth whitening? Does it damage my teeth?
Tooth whitening is a popular topic, and to put it simply, it is completely safe for your teeth. It's essentially a fancy kind of hydrogen peroxide, which doesn't erode enamel but can make your teeth temporarily sensitive. This is because teeth have microscopic pores, and the whitening product opens these pores, causing sensitivity. Most people get over this sensitivity and feel it's a fair trade-off for whiter teeth. There are many over-the-counter products, but ensure they are FDA-approved to avoid inferior products.
What is the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?
In-office whitening uses extra strength bleach, which requires monitoring to avoid irritation or burns to the gums. We isolate your gums during the process to ensure comfort. At-home whitening involves custom bleaching trays made from molds of your teeth. You place a dab of bleaching gel in the tray, which holds the gel against your teeth for 30 to 40 minutes. At-home products come in different strengths, so discuss with your dentist which might be best for you. It's important to stick with it for at least a week to see results.
What if bleaching doesn't give me the desired results?
If bleaching doesn't yield the desired results, consider other treatments like veneers. Veneers can be part of the smile makeover process and come in materials like composite or porcelain. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but don't fade over time. Discuss options with your dentist to decide what's best for you.
How do you find a qualified cosmetic dentist?
Finding a qualified cosmetic dentist can be challenging. Word of mouth is a great way to find someone. You can also go for consultations to meet the dentist and discuss options. If you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities, it's probably a good choice.
What is a smile mockup?
A smile mockup is a process where I take photos, 3D scans, or molds of your teeth to create a blueprint for your smile. Before the veneer process begins, this blueprint is transferred to your teeth using filling material, allowing you to demo your new smile. It's a temporary version to ensure you're satisfied with the result before any permanent changes are made.
What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?
A veneer is a covering for your tooth that typically goes on the front and may wrap around the sides or cover the biting edge. A crown, or cap, goes 360 degrees around the tooth. If a back tooth has a large filling or old crown, a crown might be necessary for structural reinforcement. Crowns and veneers can be used together seamlessly for a beautiful smile.
Conclusion
I hope I've answered some of your questions about veneers, cosmetic dentistry, and whitening. If you have more questions, please give me a call. I'm Dr. Monahan from Monahan Dentistry and Implant Center. Contact us at (623) 294-1333. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Enhance Your Smile And Boost Your Confidence
Monahan Dentistry and Implant Center specializes in cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Shawn Monahan, DMD has years of experience and are dedicated to delivering exceptional results that will leave you feeling confident and proud of your smile.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. It includes a range of procedures that can enhance the aesthetics of your smile, such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to brighten your smile. Our in-office teeth whitening treatment uses a safe and powerful bleaching gel that can whiten your teeth by several shades in just one session. We also offer take-home whitening kits that you can use at your convenience.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over your teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to cover up a variety of imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. Veneers are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, can straighten crooked teeth and correct bite problems. They can also improve your overall oral health by making it easier to clean your teeth and gums.
Why Choose Us For Cosmetic Dentistry?
At Monahan Dentistry and Implant Center, we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate care that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. We use the latest dental technologies and techniques to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care and achieve optimal results.
Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients. We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some people, and we strive to make your experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
If you're looking for a trusted and experienced cosmetic dentist, look no further than Monahan Dentistry and Implant Center. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams.