Veneers

What are veneers?

Porcelain or resin veneers sometimes referred to as laminates, are wafer-thin shells that are directly bonded to the front surface of a tooth to correct its cosmetic flaws. Today’s materials and techniques are so advanced that it’s virtually impossible to discern a tooth with a veneer from the rest of your teeth. Veneers are custom-crafted and tinted to perfectly match your natural teeth. 

Porcelain veneers match natural tooth enamel almost perfectly with slight translucence. Resin veneers don’t share the same translucence, but they can be color-matched to your natural teeth perfectly. 

What flaws can porcelain veneers correct?

Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. They are a quick and affordable method of correcting a wide array of cosmetic flaws and also provide protection. Some of the most common flaws veneers are used to correct include:

• Broken teeth
• Stains and discoloration
• Pits and gaps
• Uneven tooth edges
• Misshapen teeth 
• Worn teeth
• Crooked teeth

Dr. Lent and his team can make a veneer for just one tooth, or several to conceal imperfections across your smile.

Is the process of getting veneers painful?

Not at all. Usually, the process entails three visits to Dr. Lent’s office. He administers a local anesthetic to numb the area before preparing your tooth. Next, he removes about a half-millimeter of enamel from your tooth’s surface, which is the same thickness that the veneer will add to your tooth. 

While everyone is different, properly installed porcelain veneers can last between 10-15 years. Resin veneers last for a total of five to seven years when you take care of them.

What are the advantages of veneers?

Veneers are an excellent option for remedying a wide range of aesthetic dental flaws. They look absolutely natural and can greatly enhance your smile without pain or invasive surgery. Unlike other restorative dental options, veneers require minimal tampering with your natural tooth. Only the slightest amount of enamel is removed to ensure the veneer fits perfectly. 

Treatment is also pain-free, requiring minimal recovery time. Another perk: Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. This helps keep them white and bright, even for patients who drink coffee, tea or red wine.

To explore veneers as a cosmetic treatment for your smile, request an appointment by phone or online at First Impression Dental Fresno today.