Dental Veneers

Parker Colorado Dental VeneersStatistics show that we place a high value on our smiles. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 99.7% of adults believe your smile is an important social asset, and nearly as many–96%–believe an attractive smile makes you more appealing to others.  If you aren’t happy with your smile, porcelain veneers are a great way to solve several issues simultaneously without spending a lot of your valuable time. Evanson DDS has helped many Colorado men and women improve their smiles with this natural and simple cosmetic dentistry solution.

Dental veneers may be a good solution for you if the surface of your teeth is damaged or badly stained.  A very thin layer of porcelain is cemented permanently to the surface of the tooth, which creates a smooth and pearly white finish. Investing in a few of these durable porcelain shells is the best way to permanently improve a smile marred by chips, uneven gaps, or serious staining.

What Can Be Improved By The Installation Of Veneers?

Covering an incisor with a thin layer of porcelain can dramatically improve the look of the tooth by correcting problems like:

  • Discoloration due to the consumption of staining drinks, side effects from certain antibiotics, or root canals
  • Serious decay that caused the tooth to require a very large filling
  • Chips and breaks that have changed the shape and size of the tooth
  • Unusual wear due to grinding
  • Irregular spacing that has left gaps between teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

How Are The Veneers Installed?

Dr. Evanson starts the procedure by making an imprint of the tooth and determining the final shape to improve the look of the tooth. The veneer is custom made in a laboratory, which takes about two weeks. The process continues with the removal of a very thin layer of enamel from the surface of the tooth. This allows the porcelain shell to sit flush against the rest of the tooth without protruding from the surface. The roughened surface also allows the veneer to become strongly cemented to the rest of the tooth. A special light helps the cement dry quickly, allowing you to use the affected teeth as soon as you leave the office.

What Are The Benefits Of Veneers?

Since veneers are custom-made for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.  Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials.  Unlike crowns,  veneers also allow your natural teeth to remain largely intact since the natural tooth is being altered minimally to fit the veneer.  The veneer bond will last for several years, especially if you avoid teeth damaging habits like nail biting.  Veneers are also extremely easy to take care of–treat them with the same care as you treat your other teeth and you will be in good shape.

Porcelain veneers are reliable option for cases where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.

Will Veneers Protect My Teeth From Damage?

The integrity of your veneered teeth is not compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher or lower incidences of decay with veneers.   Good dental advice is to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay.  While the porcelain material obviously will not decay, the rest of the tooth can still develop cavities. Gum disease can also be an issue for patients who fall behind on their oral hygiene routine.

Which Teeth Can Be Covered With Veneers?

The upper front teeth are the ones that are most commonly covered with veneers. However, this is not your only option. Lumineers veneers can be installed on the lower teeth as well, but there must be adequate space between the front of the bottom teeth and the back of the top ones.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Properly made and bonded porcelain veneers will last longer than any dental restoration with the exception of gold. Twenty years is a realistic expectation. There are occasional failures due to the technique or trauma to the porcelain from a blow, grinding teeth, or using teeth as tools. Avoid any abrasive toothpastes with veneers and use a soft brush.

Approximately one week after the placement of your veneers you will be asked to return to our Evanson DDS office for a treatment evaluation. This visit is extremely important. It gives us the opportunity to evaluate the placement of the laminates, the gum tissue response and to answer any questions you might have regarding your new smile. Regular maintenance and dental check ups are recommended so that your veneers and oral health can be reviewed periodically.

Your dental team at Evanson DDS will be able to tell you during your biannual cleanings how your veneers are holding up and if they need to be replaced.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

Maintaining your porcelain veneers is a simple process.  Just like your original teeth, they need to be treated with good habits such as regular brushing and flossing.  You may wish to use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to help extend the lifespan of the veneer.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, Dr. Evanson may fit you with a nighttime bite guard so you do not damage your veneers. It is also important that you continue to visit our team at Evanson DDS for your regular check-ups so we can inspect your dentistry for any signs that something needs to be fixed.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

Yes, alternatives to veneers include bondings and crowns.  Veneers offer a nice intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit — as is done with bonding — but not enough to require a crown.

Call for a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about veneers, contact Evanson DDS in Parker, Colorado, for your consultation. During your visit, we will answer any questions you may have and provide expert recommendations on how you can reach all of your smile goals.  Dr. Evanson is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Her office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.  We believe nothing exudes beauty and confidence like a bright, vibrant smile, and that everyone deserves to experience the life-altering benefits of a radiant, healthy smile.  Dr. Evanson is a family dentist in Parker, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Castle Rock and Lone Tree.