A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin material placed over the front of a tooth, used to improve its appearance. At Xpert Smile, these tooth-colored shells are custom-made for each patient and cemented with durable adhesives. Veneers can cover chips, cracks, stains, and other tooth imperfections in order to improve the appearance and function of your teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality ceramic material that mimics the look and feel of your natural teeth. These thin shells are used to cover imperfections such as chipped enamel, gaps between teeth, or even severe discoloration that is unresponsive to traditional whitening treatments. They require less tooth preparation than other types of veneers and are stain-resistant. These custom-crafted beauties blend harmoniously with neighboring natural teeth – giving rise to a dazzlingly radiant yet completely perfect result that effortlessly enhances both oral health and overall facial appearance.
The Procedure for Dental Veneers
The veneer procedure takes two appointments to complete. During the first appointment, our dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of each tooth that will receive a veneer. This is necessary because veneers, although very thin, must have adequate space to be placed onto the teeth.
Next, an impression of the prepared teeth will be taken and sent to the lab, where your veneers will be fabricated. Our dentist will attach temporary veneers to your teeth to protect them while you wait for your permanent veneers to be made. Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will return to see our dentist and have them attached.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
Aesthetic Enhancement
One of the primary benefits of dental veneers is their ability to transform the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can correct cosmetic issues, including stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, and minor misalignment. They provide a consistent, white, flawless smile, regardless of the underlying dental imperfections.
Natural Appearance
Dental veneers in Bellevue, WA, are custom-made to match your natural teeth in terms of color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance. Veneers harmoniously blend in with your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
Stain Resistance
Veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other common staining agents. This means your new smile will remain bright and beautiful for years, even with regular consumption of these substances.
Composite Veneers Vs. Porcelain Veneers: What Should You Choose?
When comparing composite veneer to porcelain veneer, it becomes evident that the former falls short in various aspects. Despite initially displaying a shine, composite veneers quickly lose their luster due to exposure to the environment and everyday activities such as brushing and eating. The porous nature of composite material makes it susceptible to staining from various food items, diminishing its aesthetic appeal. Moreover, this type of veneer chips easily, and to replace it, the entire structure must be drilled off the tooth and redone, ultimately affecting the healthy teeth structure in an undesirable manner.
In contrast, porcelain veneers offer several advantages over their composite counterparts. Notably stronger and more resistant to wear and tear, porcelain retains its shine considerably longer than composites. Moreover, due to its non-porous nature, porcelain does not get stained easily, ensuring a consistently pleasing aesthetic appearance throughout extended periods of use.
Another key advantage of porcelain veneers lies in their easy replaceability if chipping occurs—an issue commonly faced with dental restorations. Unlike with composites, where removal necessitates drilling away at healthy tooth structure during repair or replacement procedures (which can compromise overall oral health), chipped porcelain veneers can be replaced without affecting the healthy tooth.
Veneers are a great way to improve your smile and boost your confidence. If you want to learn more about veneers, visit Xpert Smile at 4301 Factoria Blvd. SE, Unit B, Bellevue, WA 98006, or call (425) 502-9415. Our dentist can answer any questions and help you decide if veneers are the best option for you.