A single crooked tooth can offset the rest, making you self-conscious about your smile. When it comes to minor dental flaws, veneers can be an ideal solution. Read on to learn more.
Veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry, which refers to treatments specifically designed to make the teeth look whiter, straighter, and more appealing. There are many ways to go about improving your smile, and veneers can be a great way to hide minor dental flaws.
At Image Dental in Stockton, California, our providers offer a range of cosmetic dentistry options, including veneers. Read on to learn what veneers are along with what they can and can’t do.
The basics of veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that go on the fronts of teeth to hide their defects. Veneers can be tinted to the shade of whiteness you desire, and they cover teeth so you can present a new smile to the world.
To get veneers, your provider shaves a thin layer of enamel from the teeth to make room. Then, your provider bonds the veneers to your teeth.
What veneers can do
As mentioned earlier, dental veneers are attached to the fronts of teeth. By doing this, they can hide a number of minor dental flaws, such as:
- Minor cracks or chips
- Misshapen or short teeth
- Discoloration and yellowing
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
If you have multiple teeth that have minor dental flaws, veneers can be a fast and easy way to enhance your smile without extensive dental work.
What veneers can’t do
Because veneers only attach to the fronts of teeth, they don’t correct the defects of the teeth they’re bonded to. They only hide the defects to make the teeth appear correct. If your teeth are significantly overlapped, crooked, or have other major issues, veneers might not be the best choice.
Depending on your situation, you and your dentist will have to decide whether to hide the flaws or fix them once and for all. In cases involving severely crooked teeth, you might be better off having them orthodontically corrected.
Straightening crooked teeth
If you and your provider decide orthodontic correction is the best option, this doesn’t mean you have to endure months of braces. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, have become increasingly popular among teenagers and adults.
Clear aligners are removable, barely noticeable, and require few office visits throughout the process. As you work your way through a progression of customized trays, your teeth gradually shift into the correct positions.
Once your teeth have been straightened, they’ll be easier to keep clean. And, if your teeth can’t be brightened by whitening treatments, and you decide on veneers to make your smile sparkle, it will be easier to put on the veneers and maintain them after orthodontic treatment.
To learn more about veneers or our other options, call 209-392-5688 or book an appointment online with Image Dental today.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
