When you want to change the appearance of your smile—perhaps to fix a discolored or chipped tooth or make uneven teeth a more uniform size—your dentist may recommend veneers. Dental veneers are thin porcelain covers that are permanently bonded to the front of teeth; they can be applied to a single tooth or several. While veneers can be used to correct dental problems, they are considered a cosmetic procedure and can completely change the look of your smile.

How Are Veneers Applied?

Some dentists offer “no-prep” veneers, which require less prep work, but most people choose the more traditional approach. This begins with a thorough examination to determine the health of the teeth and ensure there aren’t any other conditions, such as gum disease, that need to be treated first. The dentist then removes about a millimeter of tooth enamel using a grinder before making a mold of the teeth. The mold is then sent to a lab, and the veneers are made. 

Once the veneers are ready, the dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth and removes more enamel to roughen the tooth’s surface, which ensures that the dental cement will hold the covers in place. Removing the enamel can be uncomfortable, so a local anesthetic may be used. Once the veneers are applied, ultraviolet light is used to harden the cement, and your new smile is complete.  

How to Care for Veneers 

Once the anesthetic wears off, you can eat and drink normally and shouldn't feel any discomfort. You may notice small rough spots caused by excess cement, but they typically go away on their own after a few days of regular activity. 

In most cases, dental veneers last 10–15 years with proper care. To keep your smile looking bright and extend the life of your veneers, practice proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Developing the following habits will also help preserve your teeth:

• Chew with the back teeth only.
• Avoid using teeth as tools to open packaging.
• Refrain from chewing on items like pens, ice, or fingernails. 
• Wear a mouth guard to protect teeth when playing sports or if you grind them while sleeping. 

If you want to enhance your smile with permanent veneers, Mark Stephens, DMD, can help. This experienced dentist is committed to helping all patients achieve excellent oral health and providing comprehensive preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services. For more information on the Richmond, KY, practice and available cosmetic dentistry options, explore the website or call (859) 626-0069 to speak with an office associate.