When it comes to the human body, life happens. It gathers many scars, causing its appearance to change permanently. This is not any different when it comes to teeth. The foods you eat stain the surface and even reach the insides, making discoloration more difficult to remove. Aging causes it too dull and lose its brilliant white color. Dental injuries cause chips that, while not a reason for emergency, can still lower self-esteem when left untreated.
Today, porcelain veneers in Hamden are the best solution for cosmetic imperfections.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are super-thin sheaths of ceramic designed to bond to the visible surface of teeth. Since their conception, veneers have become extremely effective at transforming patients’ smiles, boosting their confidence and making them proud to show off their smile to friends, family, and even strangers.
Veneers can typically be made of two materials: porcelain or composite resin. Each material has it’s own benefits, but you’ll have a chance to discuss which one is right for you during your cosmetic consultation with the dentist. Basically, composite resin veneers are easier to place and require less enamel removal to do so, but porcelain veneers are more resilient to everyday use and last longer.
Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Nearly any patient who has healthy and fully-developed teeth can take advantage of the benefits veneers offer. Whether your smile has discoloration, chips, cracks, or misalignment, veneers can solve all of them simultaneously. They’re also ideal for patients with minor gaps in their smile, but don’t want to undergo orthodontic treatment to fix them.
The reason your dentist doesn’t recommend veneers for teens or younger patients is because their teeth are still developing. Since the veneers require a small amount of enamel removal to make room for the veneers, it’s not a good idea to do so while the teeth are still growing.
What is the Process?
As mentioned, you’ll start the process by having a cosmetic consultation with your dentist in Hamden. During this meeting, you’ll discuss what your goals are for your new smile. In some cases, patients discover that their look doesn’t require porcelain veneers. If this is the case, the dentist will provide other options, such as teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or orthodontic treatment through Invisalign.
If he determines that porcelain veneers are the right option, he’ll examine your teeth, gums, and take X-rays to ensure no underlying conditions exist. Then, he’ll take impressions of your current smile and have the veneers produced at an offsite dental lab.
Next, he’ll buff down a minimal amount of enamel and place temporary veneers on top to help you get acclimated with your smile. Once the permanent veneers are produced, you’ll come back for a second appointment and have the temporary veneers replaced with your current ones.
Fixing imperfections in your smile has never been easier! To get the smile you’ve always wanted, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Robert M. Pantera earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He offers both composite and porcelain veneers to make your smile look its best. To learn more about porcelain veneers in Hamden, contact him through his website.
