Porcelain veneers in Springfield

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Composed of thin ceramic layers, porcelain veneers act as a shield for your teeth, replacing tooth enamel by adhering to a tooth’s outer surface. They’re as permanent as a filling or a crown and can fix a host of issues:

• Spacing and alignment: Close that gap in your front teeth and make other minor adjustments in alignment with our veneers. Veneers are a fairly simple corrective treatment if you don’t want to use braces or if your situation doesn’t quite require them.
• Color: Whiten your teeth, even the ones especially stubborn to other whitening treatments. Veneers come in a variety of natural-looking shades, so you can match the hue to your teeth or take them a step or two brighter.
• Size and shape: Use veneers to make chipped teeth look like new again or lengthen teeth that have been shortened because of tooth grinding (also called bruxism}. If you’ve always thought your teeth looked too square, too round, too big, or too small, veneers even can change the shape of your teeth to better complement your features.

Our dentist in Springfield can show you what you’ll look like with veneers before your treatment begins. Before applying your veneers, the dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a custom, comfortable fit. Depending on the type of veneers used, a small portion of your tooth enamel might need to be removed before your veneers are adhered in place. Once they’re attached, you won’t have to worry about them becoming stained or shifting while you talk or eat. Enjoy your smile!

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Veneers and crowns are made from materials that mimic tooth enamel and are attached to the natural teeth. Both also can change the color, size, shape, and overall appearance of your teeth.

However, they address different needs. Veneers hide minor imperfections and are considered a cosmetic dental procedure. Crowns structurally repair a tooth that has been damaged by trauma, clenching, grinding, decay, or age. A veneer is applied only to the front of a tooth whereas a crown (sometimes called a cap) covers the entire tooth. Installing the crown involves removing more of your exterior tooth enamel, but once in place, the crown helps strengthen the underlying tooth. Because they can withstand the stronger biting force between your molars, crowns are preferred to treat structural and cosmetic issues affecting your molars.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are designed to be long-wearing, durable options for enhancing the beauty of your teeth. Although their long wear varies depending upon proper care, your lifestyle, and the brand of veneers used, they should last for decades if you brush and floss them daily.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a specific brand of veneers that are ultra-thin and highly translucent. They are unique in that they require little to no reduction in the surface enamel of your natural tooth, yet they’re also highly durable. Lumineers are known to last more than 20 years and like other brands, they also look natural, feel comfortable, fit snugly, and resist staining.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

If your veneers cover teeth worn from clenching or grinding, our dentist likely will recommend you wear a custom-made night guard to protect your new smile. Otherwise, care for your porcelain veneers as you would your natural teeth: by brushing and flossing them gently each day.

Keep in mind that as durable as veneers can be, they can’t weather everything. Especially If you have veneers on your front teeth, it’s wise to avoid biting into hard foods such as candy apples, or ripping open packages with those teeth.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Springfield Today

If you have additional questions about veneers or think they might be right option for you, we’re here to help. Our caring staff in Springfield is happy to set up an appointment for you to discuss any concerns about using veneers and how they can fit into your dental care.