What are veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells made of porcelain or composite resin. Your Long Beach Family Dental Group provider bonds them to the front of your natural permanent teeth to improve their shape, size, and overall appearance.
You can get only one or two veneers, but most people get six or eight. The majority of patients get veneers to address cosmetic imperfections that affect the top front teeth.
What types of problems can veneers correct?
Veneers are incredibly versatile. Long Beach Family Dental Group regularly uses veneers to address a variety of cosmetic imperfections, including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Severe discoloration or staining that doesn’t respond to teeth whitening
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
You can also benefit from veneers if you have gaps or spaces between two or more teeth.
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
To determine if veneers are right for you, Long Beach Family Dental Group conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks questions about your lifestyle and goals for treatment.
Your provider also takes X-rays to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for a root canal. If you have any of these issues, your provider may recommend addressing them prior to moving forward with veneers. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you’ll likely qualify.
What is the process for getting veneers?
Getting veneers begins with your Long Beach Family Dental Group provider administering a local anesthetic and carefully shaving off a thin layer of enamel –– about 1 millimeter thick –– from each tooth.
Afterward, your provider takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a lab that manufactures your veneers.
A week or two later, you return to Long Beach Family Dental Group. At your second appointment, your provider lines up your veneers and bonds them to your permanent teeth. The process usually takes 60-90 minutes.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers last an average of 10-15 years. However, you can extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard if you play sports, and avoiding bad habits like nail biting or chewing on ice.
If you dream of having a symmetrical, Hollywood-worthy smile, schedule a veneers appointment at Long Beach Family Dental Group. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
