A white, aesthetically pleasing smile can provide you with the confidence you need to excel in social interactions. One great way of achieving your goal smile is through modern dentistry and the use of dental veneers.Our professionals at San Francisco Dental Arts offer dental veneers among our many cosmetic dentistry services. We can use this proven cosmetic treatment to make your dream smile a reality.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin that cover the front of teeth. Similar in appearance to a shell, they are placed onto the enamel of a tooth primarily for cosmetic reasons, to hide discoloration or staining of tooth enamel, uneven spacing, dental imperfections, or the appearance of other cosmetic flaws.
Custom Crafted For A Beautiful Smile
Veneers are typically used in the front of the mouth, particularly the upper dental arch, as teeth there are the most prominently seen. Veneers can be effective in increasing a person’s self-esteem, for those self-conscious of their smile, and provide a covering for the effect that years of smoking, coffee and sugary drinks can have on a person’s natural teeth too.
They can be used to reduce symmetry issues surrounding teeth and cover severely stained teeth. In order to install veneers, our professionals must carefully grind away a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth.
The Dental Veneer Process
This process is totally painless and will not damage the integrity of your teeth. This is done for two reasons. The first is so that your teeth are not overly thick once the veneers are placed. The second is that the rougher surface will allow the veneer to better adhere to each tooth.
Dentist in San Francisco
San Francisco Dental Arts offers veneers for a number of different reasons. Talk to one of our dentists and they’ll be able to tell you if veneers are for you.
Procedure
Our cosmetic dentist will first discuss the procedure, treatment goals, how many veneers you would like, and what shade of white you’d like them to be.
In this appointment, they will also take x-rays of your teeth, to ensure no tooth decay, or other oral complications, are affecting the teeth. If the teeth are too misaligned or are affected by tooth decay, you may need other dental procedures first, to ensure the viability of your tooth.
In the next appointment, our dentist will use a grinding tool to prepare the natural tooth enamel for a veneer. This will permanently change the shape of your tooth, as the enamel of natural teeth will be trimmed down, but the veneer itself will obscure that.
The dentist will also take a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab for the creation of your veneer.
After a couple of weeks, when the veneer has been made, the dentist will inspect it and ensure the shaping and shading has been done correctly.
The first visit the dentist will clean the teeth, otherwise harmful bacteria could be trapped underneath when the veneer is placed. The dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth, apply a special liquid, and place the veneer. The veneer will set onto the tooth, with the use of an ultraviolet light.
After the veneer has been placed and set, the dentist and patient can leave with no other treatment needed. Avoiding chewing on hard objects like pen lids and fingernails is advised to avoid damaging the veneer.
What Are Veneers Made Of?
Dental veneers are made of either a porcelain material or a composite resin. Here at San Francisco Dental Arts our dentist will advise on the best-suited type of veneer procedure for you. Some patients are given temporary veneers, and some are able to complete treatment the same day.
Porcelain Veneer Treatment
Porcelain dental veneers are made using a mold and will take a few weeks to complete. Our team will have you return to our dental office once they are finished. They will then be placed with dental cement.
A common question is "Do porcelain veneers stain?" Porcelain Veneers are known for their resistance to staining compared to natural teeth or some other dental materials.
Composite Veneer Treatment
On the other hand, the composite bonding resin is applied to your teeth as soon as the enamel is removed. Our professionals will likely need to apply several layers of the resin to each tooth for the desired results. Once it hardens, your new composite veneers will be complete.
Benefits Of Getting Veneers in San Francisco
The veneer’s main benefit comes from its cosmetic application, in which it can hide many different sorts of damage that have impacted the teeth.
Tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth, teeth, small teeth, worn down or damaged teeth, teeth with large gaps are all examples of the types of dental issues that veneers can solve.
Restorative Options For A Natural Looking Smile
Veneers are also a quicker method for fixing misaligned teeth, or teeth with gaps, than braces. If there are only a few misaligned teeth, and they don’t protrude too radically, then veneers can be placed and solve the issue within two weeks, as opposed to braces that can take over a year to yield similar results.
Another benefit is that veneers can help with damaged tooth structure and enamel, replacing the erosion caused by sugary drinks and the misuse of teeth, i.e. chewing on pen lids.
Veneers can be the answer, talk to one of our dentists about porcelain veneers cost.
A Beautiful Smile with Dental Veneers
Resin veneers are a good option for younger patients or patients that are planning to transition to dental implants in the future. This is because they do not require as large of an investment and are easy to install.
Porcelain veneers require two separate trips to our office. They are also the more costly of the two treatment options.
They will last for over 10 years with proper care. Porcelain veneers provides the most natural-looking final result of any cosmetic treatment option.
Caring for your Dental Veneers
Ensuring the longevity and brilliance of your dental veneers is a straightforward process that involves a few simple yet essential steps. At San Francisco Dental Arts, we're committed to your dental work and helping you maintain your stunning, radiant smile, for years to come.
Good Oral Hygiene
First and foremost, regular oral hygiene practices are crucial. Continue to brush your teeth twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Flossing is equally important; use a gentle, non-abrasive floss to clean between your teeth and around the edges of your veneers, ensuring that no food particles or plaque accumulate.
Dental Exams and Treatment Plan
We also recommend scheduling regular check-ups with our experienced team. These routine visits allow us to assess the condition of your veneers, ensure they're securely in place, and address any potential issues proactively.
It's important to avoid habits like biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage your veneers over time.
Modern Cosmetic Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about how veneers can benefit you, then it is time to come see your dentist in San Francisco Dental Arts.
Cosmetic Dentistry in San Francisco
San Francisco Dental Arts can tell you if veneers can benefit your smile. Contact us now at 415-854-9396 to book your consultation appointment today.
