Smile Brighter This Spring With Veneers

If you weren’t born with the smile you want, or the quality of your teeth and your smile has diminished over time, you can smile brighter with veneers. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells made of porcelain that bond to your teeth to cover your imperfections.

Veneers are attached to the front of your teeth. Unlike other smile improving procedures such as braces or aligners, your smile dazzles as soon as you walk out of the office — and not months or years later.

How can veneers improve my smile?

Veneers can address many issues that dull your smile. They’re commonly used to correct the following cosmetic problems:

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Worn-down teeth

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

The first step in getting veneers is a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. George Saliba. At a consultation, Dr. Saliba answers your questions and examines your teeth to make sure veneers are right for you. For example, those who have advanced gum disease or decaying or weakened teeth may not be good candidates for veneers. People who clench or grind their teeth at night are also not good candidates since these habits may crack or chip the veneers.

Dr. Saliba can recommend how many veneers will do the trick to give you a star-powered smile. You may need one or several veneers, depending on your teeth and desired goals. Each veneer is custom-made. It’s important to discuss all your questions prior to the procedure because veneers are permanent.

How are veneers applied to my teeth?

It takes just two appointments to get the dazzling smile you want. At the first appointment, Dr. Saliba removes a thin layer of enamel so that the veneers lay flat against your teeth for a natural look. Then he takes a mold and photos of your teeth, information that’s sent to the lab that creates your veneers.

Before you conclude your first visit, Dr. Saliba applies temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your permanent veneers arrive. When they do arrive, Dr. Saliba removes the temporary veneers and cleans and prepares your teeth for the permanent, custom-made veneers.

Dr. Saliba then bonds your custom-made veneers to your teeth using a special dental adhesion cement. He checks your bite and the fit, then polishes the margins. You’re now ready to reveal your brand-new, star-powered smile.

How to care for your veneers

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting. You won’t need to think about replacing them for at least a decade or two.

You still need to brush and floss daily, as usual and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Another good thing about veneers is that they resist stains better than your natural teeth. However, it still may be a good idea to avoid stain-inducing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

For more information on how to make your smile more dazzling with veneers or other dental procedures, call GEMS Dental in Houston, or book your appointment online.