How Your Cosmetic Dentist Performs a Smile Makeover!

Many factors can affect the appearance of your smile. Maybe you drank two to three cups a coffee a day and now it’s finally starting to show. Perhaps your teeth have begun to darken as you age more and more. Maybe dental trauma permanently changed the color and even after having the health of the tooth restored, the color was never the same.

Today, your cosmetic dentist in Valparaiso is saying you don’t have to settle for discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Not when porcelain veneers are available!

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are super-thin sheaths of ceramic designed to rest on the visible surface of teeth, covering any existing imperfections in the process. Unlike restorative dental treatments like crowns, porcelain veneers are entirely for cosmetic purposes. Having a smile that is heavily discolored, misaligned, containing many gaps, or filled with cosmetic chips and cracks can really do a number on self-esteem. That’s why it’s one of the most popular cosmetic treatments out there, besides teeth-whitening.

One of the largest benefits of veneers, besides their versatility, is their durability. When properly taken care of, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. While they aren’t indestructible, they’re as strong, if not stronger than natural teeth. Porcelain is also more resistant to staining than natural tooth enamel, so you won’t have to worry as much when eating and drinking your favorite foods and beverages.

What Is the Consultation Like?

During the consultation, your dentist will sit down with you to discuss the look you want with your veneers. This meeting is also intended to point you in another direction if your dentist determines it would better suit your needs. He can also provide photos of similar veneer cases and even use a computer enhancement program to show different options prior to starting the procedure. If you decide veneers are right for you, then your dentist can start taking the necessary steps to produce them.

Keep in mind that veneers produced today are not like the ones made decades ago. Veneers are now designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth perfectly, so you won’t have to worry about the appearance of “chicklet” teeth in your smile.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Porcelain veneers typically take two appointments to place; one for the consultation/prepping and another for actual placement. To start, your dentist will clean and buff your teeth down so the veneers have enough room to sit. He’ll then take an impression of your smile and use that to create the veneers.

While the veneers are being made in an off-site dental lab, you’ll wear temporary ones until your follow-up appointment. Upon arrival, you’ll have the permanent ones replace the temporaries and walk out with a brand new smile.

Ready to give yourself a smile makeover? Schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Valparaiso today to get started!