A smile you are proud of makes a significant difference in how you look and feel. Teeth that are stained, chipped, or misshapen take away from your otherwise stunning smile. Fortunately, modern dentistry has provided a solution. Dental veneers can refresh your dull teeth and transform your smile.

The art of prosthodontics allows trained dental professionals to create the confident smile you’ve always dreamed of. It doesn’t matter whether you have multiple imperfections you want to conceal or just a single flaw. Dental veneers are a minimally invasive treatment option that produces natural-looking results.

The Artform That Is Smile Transformation

When you think about dentistry, the first thing that likely pops into your mind is restoring cavities and protecting oral health. These are crucial aspects of the dental field, but the sector extends far beyond that by bringing art into the equation. 

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on procedures that enhance a person’s smile. It combines a dentist’s expertise with their artistic skills to create a total smile transformation.

Your dentist will study your facial features and learn your personality to design a smile that complements who you are. This process may require collaborating with several dental professionals, including your family dentist, a prosthodontist, and dental technicians. In the end, you will leave with a custom, natural-looking smile.  

What are dental veneers? 

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover your teeth’s front surface. They are fabricated from a tooth-colored material to ensure they match or brighten your current smile. This treatment option is a cosmetic procedure that can completely alter how your teeth look.

Veneers come in several stain-resistant materials—porcelain, ceramic, and composite—that are durable enough to withstand the natural wear and tear your teeth experience daily.

• Porcelain veneers are thin. This type of veneer is ideal for patients needing small changes to their teeth. Porcelain creates a very natural appearance that lasts up to 15 years.
• Ceramic veneers also create a natural-looking appearance because they can mimic your natural teeth. It may take longer to make ceramic veneers, but the result is a durable product that lasts up to 15 years or longer.
• Composite veneers are the most cost-effective material and often require a single appointment. They also involve less tooth preparation than other types of veneers. However, they are more likely to break, stain, or chip, and they have a lifespan of about five years.

Smile Assessment and Treatment Planning 

The first step to getting your custom smile is scheduling an appointment for a smile assessment. During this process, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, facial aesthetics, and bite alignment. This evaluation also includes discussing your expectations and what you want your smile to look like.

General dentists practicing prosthodontics, and trained prosthodontists consider numerous factors when developing your personalized treatment plan. Some patients require two veneers to alter their smile, while others need six or more to achieve their desired results.

Regardless of your needs, your dentist will consider every aspect to ensure that your veneers are exactly what you’re looking for.

Addressing Aesthetic Concerns With Dental Veneers

Cosmetic procedures like dental veneers are used to resolve dental issues. For instance, they can help to:

• Hide misshapen teeth
• Close gaps 
• Cover chips and cracks 
• Straighten crooked teeth 
• Fix a “gummy smile” 

Dental veneers can also cover unsightly stains caused by medications or too much fluoride as a child.

The Veneer Placement Process

Getting dental veneers is a pain-free process requiring a few dental office trips. Most patients complete the appointment with little or no anesthesia.

The teeth receiving the veneers must be prepared with light buffing and by shaping the surface. This shaping creates space for the thickness of the shell. Once the teeth are prepped, an impression is taken, and a shade gets chosen. Your dentist will work with you to select the color you like best.

The dental veneer is placed on your teeth during the second appointment to assess the appearance and make sure they fit. Once you approve of their appearance, your teeth are cleaned with special liquids that establish a durable bond. Cement then gets placed between the veneer and tooth and is hardened with a special blue light.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

The right dentist experienced in prosthodontics will go to great lengths to create a beautiful custom smile. They will take every necessary step to ensure your new teeth match your natural color, shape, and size. Everyone dreams of having a Hollywood-white smile, but please keep in mind that it may not be possible for some patients.

Your dentist will choose materials that reflect light to resemble natural tooth enamel. This will allow small amounts of light to pass through the thinnest layer of the material, just like your natural teeth do.

Get natural-looking prosthodontics near Boise, ID.

A beautiful, natural-looking smile is possible with an experienced cosmetic dentist. To enhance your smile with dental veneer placement, seek a professional consultation at Staley Dental for personalized treatment options. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.