Dreaming of a Hollywood Smile? Veneers Can Help

Do you wish there was a quick, affordable, and painless way to repair damaged or irregularly shaped teeth keeping your smile less than perfect? Veneers can do that.

Brett P. Lent, DDS, of First Impression Dental in Fresno, California, offers a full suite of cosmetic and general dentistry services that can restore your smile to celebrity-worthy perfection. Read what this award-winning expert says about the cosmetic benefits of veneers.

What are veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain or resin that are custom-fit to cover the front surface of a tooth. Designed to correct numerous cosmetic flaws, veneers are directly bonded to the tooth surface and impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lent can craft a veneer for one tooth or several.

Why consider veneers?

Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile and protect teeth that are:

• Chipped or broken
• Pitted or grooved
• Stained or discolored
• Uneven
• Irregularly shaped
• Worn

Veneers can also fill the gaps between your teeth, last up to 15 years, and are easily replaced once they’ve reached the end of their life cycle.

Thanks to advances in materials and techniques, today’s veneers require less tooth preparation than in the past. It’s important to remember, however, that treatment for cavities and other oral health issues may be necessary before veneers are placed.

What should I expect during the veneer procedure?

Dr. Lent discusses specific details of the veneer process with you before scheduling your procedure. Generally, measurements are taken during one visit, and the veneers are placed during a second visit.

After numbing the area, Dr. Lent removes a minimal amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneer, which is carefully crafted to provide the desired results in color and shape.

The veneer is then permanently bonded to the tooth’s surface with fast-drying dental cement. All veneers are applied during the same visit, and once they’re placed, your smile transformation is complete.

Are veneers easy to care for?

Just like your natural teeth, veneers respond best to daily brushing and flossing and routine oral health exams. Keep in mind that, unlike dental implants or bridges, veneers are used to cover the front portion of an existing tooth that is still susceptible to decay.

As with your natural teeth, Dr. Lent may recommend avoiding certain foods with a high stain factor, such as blackberries or strong tea. Note: porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and discoloration than those created from resin.

For more information about veneers or any of the services we offer at First Impression Dental, schedule an evaluation. Call the office and consult with a friendly staff member or request an appointment online today.