May 22, 2009

Roles of Veneers in Dentistry

There are many factors that can have an adverse impact on the quality of your smile, from tooth crookedness to discoloration to unsightly gaps. Whatever the cause, a less-than-perfect smile can dramatically affect your self-esteem, personality, and ability to communicate with others.
For many, dental veneers (often referred to as porcelain veneers) provide an ideal solution. Formed from ceramic, these custom-made, eggshell-thin coverings are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural enamel. They are placed over the surface of teeth to conceal chips, gaps, cracks, or other problems that can jeopardize dental health or aesthetics. Dental veneers can provide an easy, painless way to achieve a bright, confident smile.
Problems Addressed by Porcelain Veneers
There are several different conditions that can be quickly and painlessly solved by veneers:
Chipped Teeth: Teeth can chip for a variety of reasons, including stress-induced grinding, an accident or trauma, using your teeth for purposes they are not intended for, or a fracture that causes a gradual weakening. Regardless of the cause, chipped teeth can detract from the appearance of your smile while increasing the risk of discoloration, sensitivity, and decay.
Crooked Teeth: In addition to affecting the appearance of your teeth, crookedness can cause dental pain and inhibit good oral hygiene. Those who leave the problem untreated are more prone to tooth decay, tooth loss, and bad breath. It can also be difficult to chew properly with crooked teeth, increasing the chances of jaw misalignment.
Discolorations: The most obvious effect of discolored teeth (a wearing-down or dulling of surface enamel) is a dirty appearance, creating the implication of poor dental health. Noticeable stains on the surface of your teeth can make you look older than your age, while drawing more attention to other issues, such as gaps and crookedness. Varying degrees of discoloration can be caused by numerous factors:
- Genetic predisposition
- Prolonged exposure to certain foods or drinks such as coffee or tea
- Ingestion of or contact with of certain medications
- Smoking cigars or cigarettes
- Nerve damage to a tooth during an accident or fall.
Gaps: Anyone who's ever had extra space between their teeth knows that gaps can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. Those born with gaps often notice the problem worsening with age. They wonder if people are staring at the gap in their teeth or they find themselves reluctant to talk or smile. In addition to affecting your confidence, the condition can also make it difficult to chew or speak.
Misshapen Teeth: Even if you have perfect dental health, just one misshapen tooth can cause your smile to look flawed or unhealthy.
All of the above: Many folks don't have a single dental affliction. A combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and normal wear and tear can create a set of unique circumstances.
In most cases, depending on the severity of these conditions, smiles can be aesthetically and functionally enhanced with the use of porcelain veneers.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer a number of advantages to today's dental patients:
A more natural look: With today's enhanced dental technology, ceramic veneers offer a high degree of translucence, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Custom design and creation: Porcelain veneers are custom-matched to the color of your teeth. If you desire a whiter smile, veneers can be used in conjunction with whitening to create a dazzling smile. Veneers are designed specifically for your mouth, your lifestyle and your individual circumstances.
Quicker results: Unlike straightening with braces, tooth whitening systems, or complex dental bonding, veneers can be applied in just one or two visits, immediately achieving a bright, even smile.
Lower cost: Veneers are typically less expensive than other, multi-step, more complex
treatments including surgery.
Long-term protection: In addition to looking good, veneers are durable enough to strengthen weak or damaged teeth, potentially eliminating the need for a bridge, crown, or other, more invasive procedures. Also, if properly maintained, veneers can last several decades.
There are several different options and brands available for dental veneers, such as Lumineers. Before making a decision about what type or brand of veneer is best, contact a Cosmetic Dentist who is experienced in placing porcelain veneers. Ask the dentist to see examples of their work, such as before and after photographs where porcelain veneers were used. Ask if the dentist offers a no-fee consultation, and never be rushed into making a decision about your smile. You and the dentist should work collaboratively to come up with a treatment that fits your oral health needs, lifestyle and budget.
Dr. Mark Kleive is a Cosmetic Dentist in Minneapolis and has been named Top Minnesota Dentist for the third consecutive year. He will handle any dental problem you're suffering to give you back your smile. Please visit http://www.markakleivedds.com/ for more information and details.