If you’re displeased with your smile because of cosmetic imperfections such as chips, discoloration, or uneven spacing, dental veneers offer a way to cover up those imperfections and improve your oral health at the same time.
Back of the Wasatch Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, the practice of Dr. Reed Lobrot, offers dental veneers to help you achieve the smile of your dreams and maintain good oral health — all without breaking the bank.
What are veneers?
Also called dental porcelain laminates, dental veneers are super-thin, custom-made shells that Dr. Lobrot bonds to your tooth’s surface to change its size, shape, length, or color.
Veneers are an affordable alternative to dental crowns, which sit on top of your tooth to protect it, if the tooth imperfections are relatively minor and affect only the front surface. They also require less shaving of the enamel covering to place. By themselves, veneers don’t improve your oral health, but because they’re resistant to both acid and decay, they shore up a weakened tooth while jazzing up your smile.
Dental veneers are formulated from either porcelain or resin composite, both of which can be shaded to match your surrounding teeth. Porcelain is often the better choice because it:
- Resists stains better than resin
- Is stronger than resin
- Has light-reflecting properties similar to natural teeth
Dental veneers are the ideal option for patients looking for a long-term solution to cosmetic dental concerns but who don’t respond well to treatments such as teeth whitening or orthodontia. They’re also generally less expensive than other restoration options, and they can be placed fairly quickly. Most last between 10-20 years, after which you can get them replaced.
Dental veneer benefits
Veneers can solve a number of dental problems, including:
Fix tooth damage and prevent further problems
Dr. Lobrot permanently bonds the veneers to the tooth surface, meaning they can seal over chips, cracks, and breaks and prevent decay-causing bacteria and food debris from getting into the inner pulp. They also strengthen weak enamel, making the tooth more acid- and decay-resistant.
Fill in gaps and spaces
Gaps between your teeth are like magnets for plaque and debris, serving as breeding grounds for bacteria. Gaps can also lead to bite misalignments and undue tooth and jaw stress, causing uneven wear, tooth fractures, and even tooth loss. By bridging the gaps, veneers provide a strong and impenetrable tooth surface and an even bite.
Restore tooth color and shape
Stained and discolored teeth can be embarrassing, but veneers cover up those stains and brighten your smile. Among its other qualities, porcelain is highly resistant to common staining sources. Dr. Lobrot can also shape the veneers to bring a shorter tooth in line with the other teeth in your mouth.
How to take care of your veneers
Veneers look and act just like your natural teeth, so you take care of them in the same way you take care of those teeth. Floss once a day, brush at least twice a day, and see Dr. Lobrot twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. Consistent at-home oral hygiene will help you maintain the results of the restoration.
If you’re looking to cover minor imperfections in your teeth, veneers may be a good option for you. To find out more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lobrot, call Back of the Wasatch Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 435-654-4500, or book online with us today.