Reconstructive Dentistry Procedure with Veneers

Veneers are a simple way to give the teeth a quick facelift, which makes them popular with cosmetic dentists. Yet veneers are about more than just a pretty smile. They can help to keep your teeth healthy. Reconstructive dentistry combines tooth restoration and the patient’s cosmetic needs to produce a smile that is both brilliant and functional.

How dental veneers work

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that take the shape and color of a front tooth. Their job is to cover and conceal imperfections like stains, discoloration, small breaks, and superficial cracks on the enamel surface. They also hide small orthodontic problems like small gaps or slight crowding.

Dentists fit veneers on the front surfaces of teeth after they remove a small layer of the enamel from the target teeth. The reason dentists prepare teeth in this manner is:

• To create a rough surface that allows the veneer to stick to the tooth
• Filing away a thin layer of enamel creates space for the veneer and keeps the restored tooth from becoming overly bulky
• Dentists could also reshape a tooth that is chipped or overly long in preparation for a veneer                         

The preparation of teeth for veneers is one of the major steps in this treatment option. Some patients may be reluctant to lose a thin layer of their teeth, but the upsides may be worth it.

Different uses of veneers in reconstructive dentistry

Veneers are versatile. They solve surface imperfections. They also correct moderate problems that affect the function and look of teeth. Dentists use veneers for:

1. Correcting slightly crooked teeth

Crooked teeth are an orthodontic problem that happens as a result of crowding, poorly erupted teeth or some other root cause. Dentists often recommend orthodontic appliances for severely crooked teeth. For mild cases, a dentist may use veneers to hide the teeth and improve their patient’s bite.

2. Closing small gaps

Some patients may have jaws that are too big to hold the teeth close together. Other patients have teeth that are too small. If the spaces between teeth are too wide a dentist will go with aggressive treatment like orthodontics or even dental crowns. However, patients with small gaps are good candidates for veneers.

3. Concealing intrinsic stains

No amount of scrubbing or teeth whitening treatments can remove intrinsic stains. The same goes for discoloration that happens as a result of a dead tooth or a root canal. Veneers are a quick and simple way to cover up these types of discoloration.

4. Concealing chips and small cracks

Small breaks are often superficial and they rarely affect the inner tooth. A veneer can hide that small chip and protect the structure of the tooth at the same time.

How a dentist fits veneers

Placing a veneer is a straightforward process that involves:

• Evaluation and diagnosis, where the dentist determines the extent of their patient’s dental problem
• Creation of a treatment plan; where the dentist will recommend veneers
• The dentist may then numb the patient and prepare the teeth for veneers
• They will take an impression of the patient’s teeth
• If the dentist can make the veneer in-office, they fabricate the veneer and attach it to the prepared tooth with dental cement. The patient gets to go home with a veneer on the same day
• If the dentist requests the veneer from a dental lab, they will send their patient home with a temporary restoration and schedule a second appointment. They fit the permanent veneer once they receive it from the dental lab

A quick and simple smile makeover may be in the cards for you

Call our office to book an appointment with our dentist. They will be happy to talk with you and find out if dental veneers are the answer to those small imperfections in your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.