Dentists have many options available to provide the perfect smile you've always wanted. To fix uneven, chipped, or severely stained teeth, veneers are a popular choice. Find out more about what they involve in the guide below to see if they’re a good fit for you.

Are You a Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are made of thin shells of porcelain that are carefully adhered to your natural teeth. If you’ve been unsuccessful in removing major stains, want to cover up chips or broken teeth, or want a straighter smile, then this procedure might be right for you. A significant amount of enamel is removed during the process, so your dentist will check to make sure you have enough. If you’ve taken care of your teeth, then this likely won’t be a problem for you. 

However, if you grind your teeth or they’re extremely crooked, you’ll need to consider other dental care options. Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night can crack the porcelain, which can’t be repaired. Crooked teeth are hard to match up with veneers since the shells need to be attached to each tooth individually. Consider braces or Invisalign® as an alternative. 

How Does the Procedure Work?

Your dentist will remove some of your tooth enamel and make a mold of your teeth. The mold is sent off to make the porcelain shells. The dental office will receive the final product within two to three weeks.

The bonding process is quite simple. You'll get a fresh tooth cleaning to remove any bacteria that could get caught between the shell and your teeth. Then a grinding tool will rough up the surface of your teeth to provide a surface on which the shell can adhere properly. Dental cement bonds the veneer to your tooth, and ultraviolet light is used to harden the cement quickly. This process takes about two hours, and soon you'll be walking out the door with a new smile.

Follow-Up Care

Following the procedure, you'll be able to eat and drink like normal within a couple of hours. Your new smile should last 10 to 15 years if you take care of them properly. Brush and floss like normal. Avoid chewing on hard foods or using your teeth as tools, and wear protective gear if you play sports. 

If you're considering cosmetic options like veneers, removable dentures, or crowns, contact the dental office of Stephanie ML Wong, DMD, in Honolulu, HI. Listed as the 2015 Best Dentist in the Honolulu Magazine, they also help with oral examinations and family dentistry. Call their office at (808) 732-3072 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for all of their dental care services.