What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin “covers” for teeth, designed to correct the appearance of a number of cosmetic issues. The veneer material is durable and can be tinted to match your surrounding teeth, enabling it to blend in and look natural. Many patients have their teeth whitened before getting veneers to make sure the veneers match their teeth when they look best.
What kinds of cosmetic issues can be treated with cosmetic veneers?
Veneers are quite versatile - that’s one reason why they’re so popular. Dr. Azar can use veneers to address issues such as:
Cracks
Chips
Ugly stains or deep discolorations that don’t respond to professional teeth whitening
Uneven or worn tooth surfaces
Gaps between teeth
Crooked teeth
Teeth that look too small
How are veneers applied?
Applying veneers is a two-step process, which means you’ll need to have two office visits. At the first visit, your tooth will be prepared for the veneer. Dr. Azar will remove a thin layer of tooth material to “make room” for the veneer so it rests level with your other teeth. Then she’ll make an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab where the veneer will be made. She’ll also choose the tint and apply a temporary veneer to protect your tooth. At the second visit, the temporary veneer will be removed, and the veneer will be fitted and applied using a strong adhesive. Finally, the edges will be buffed so the veneer looks and feels completely natural.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are super-thin veneers made of special translucent materials that look more like your own natural teeth. Unlike traditional veneers that require removal of some of your tooth material, Lumineers can be placed right on your tooth surface without removing any enamel, which means they can be removed in the future if you like. Lumineers require a special application technique to ensure they look their best, and Dr. Azar has completed training to become “Lumineer certified,” so you can feel confident you’ll get great results.
Do veneers require any special care?
No. One of the best things about having veneers is they can be cared for just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. To keep them looking their best, avoid biting or chewing on hard substances like ice and hard candy, which can cause your veneers (and your natural teeth) to chip or break.
