Do you currently hide your smile because of chipped, discolored, or uneven teeth? Consider dental veneers, an effective cosmetic solution to improve their look and shape. But what are veneers, and are they right for you? Below, the team at Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT, explains everything you should know about dental veneers. 

A dental veneer is a porcelain or composite resin shell applied to the front of your tooth with cement to create a natural look. They’re mostly used for individuals looking to fix broken, chipped, misaligned, stained, or abnormally spaced teeth. Better still, unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain resists staining from tea, coffee, and red wine. 

Before deciding to change your teeth, consult your cosmetic dentist about the goals you’re hoping to achieve. Many dentists can create a photo of you and what your smile would look like with dental veneers so you can ensure the changes are what you’re expecting. Your dentist may also be able to create a mock-up pair of veneers to try on so you can test the feeling and look before committing. 

Once you decide to move ahead, the dentist will remove the surface layer of enamel from your teeth and make an impression to mold the veneers. A lab technician will then create the dental veneers based on the impression of your teeth. About a week later, you’ll return to the dentist to have the veneers applied. 

Once the dental veneers have been applied to your teeth, they cannot be removed. Adjustments and new veneers can be made by your cosmetic dentist, but the original condition of your teeth cannot be restored. It’s also important to understand dental veneers aren’t indestructible, so you should avoid activities that cause excessive wear and tear, like chewing ice or biting your fingernails. Then, just take care of your veneers like you would your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. 

If you’re ready to apply dental veneers to your teeth, call the professionals at Waterford Dental Health at (860) 447-2235 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about their services, visit their website.