Veneers

If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth, and tooth whitening won’t be enough to fix the issue, it may be time to talk to your dentist about veneers. The talented dental staff at the Northridge offices of Sterling Smile Dental have years of experience in placing veneers for our patients. We would be happy to provide a consultation for you on whether they would be a good solution to your dental issue.

What are veneers?

Veneers are very thin, custom-crafted shells that are placed over a tooth for cosmetic purposes. They are most commonly made of either porcelain or a resin composite. The shells are made to order and bonded to individual teeth. They can also be used to change the size, shape, or color of a tooth.

Patients often choose to receive veneers to correct cosmetic issues, but they can also be useful as part of a course of treatment for gum disease. The issue that the patient wishes to correct will determine how many the dentist will place. Candidates include patients dealing with:

• Serious discoloration of the teeth, possibly due to a root canal in that tooth, the effects of certain medications, or fillings
• Tooth chips or breaks
• Misshapen or uneven teeth
• Teeth that have been worn down from regular use or tooth grinding
• Gaps between the teeth

Depending on the type of veneer the patient and dentist decide to use, application typically involves multiple visits to your dentist’s office. While resin is thinner and may be placed in a single appointment, these are more prone to staining and do not look as natural as porcelain. Porcelain veneers must be custom-made, but have a similar look and feel to natural teeth.

Before placing porcelain veneers, you will need to visit your dentist’s office to undergo x-rays and imaging. In a separate appointment, the dentist will remove a layer of enamel from your tooth, creating space for the veneer to be applied and bonded to your tooth. During this appointment, your dentist will also create an impression of your teeth to be used in the preparation of your custom veneers. At the final appointment, your dentist will ensure that they have been created in the correct size and color. The dentist will rough up the surface of your tooth to receive the veneer, making the teeth more receptive to the cement used to bond the veneer. They will then be applied, with the cement hardened using an ultraviolet light. You may need to return for a follow-up appointment that will ensure they were correctly applied and that your gums are healthy after the procedure.

At Sterling Smile Dental, our technicians will conduct careful imaging and measurements of the teeth to ensure they are created to match your existing teeth. We will provide gentle and attentive care during the procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams in our comfortable San Fernando Valley offices.

Discuss with a Caring, Expert San Fernando Valley Dentist

Contact us today for an appointment to discuss whether veneers would be a good choice for you by calling our Northridge offices for an appointment at 818-885-7117.