This article explains what porcelain veneers are and how they work as a cosmetic solution to discolored, chipped, cracked and unaesthetic teeth.

Whatever happened to your pristine white smile? Life, that’s what! A five-a-day coffee habit, a 20-a-day smoking addiction, an accidental toddler swing in the teeth and stress-induced teeth grinding have reduced what used to be a beautiful white smile to a dulled smile you’d rather hide behind your lips. Whether all of your teeth have sustained abuse, or just one has become chipped, cracked or discolored, there is a fantastic solution offered by the cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs and it comes in the form of dental veneers.

What is a Dental Veneer?

Veneers are ceramic restorations that are mounted on the outward-facing surface of a tooth. They are used to:

• Cover up the appearance of deep staining that a professional cleaning or tooth whitening treatment cannot remove. Certain conditions, such as fluorosis, which causes white spots on the teeth, can also be covered up with Colorado Springs veneers.

• Cover up the appearance of cracks, chips and other imperfections in the tooth structure. Dental veneers can also be custom fabricated to replace the bits of tooth structure that may have gotten chipped off.

• Remove large gaps between teeth. Madonna may have made tooth gaps sexy, but they just don’t work for everyone. Porcelain veneers with additional peripheral bulk can be mounted on the teeth to fill the visible gaps between them.

“Dental veneers may be regarded as a cosmetic treatment, but by covering up cracks and chips in the tooth structure, they help to reinforce the tooth and protect it against infiltration by oral bacteria,” explains the cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs. “For this reason, veneers are not just important for smile restoration; they’re also useful for the maintenance of good oral health.”

What’s the Procedure Used to Place Dental Veneers?

During your appointment with the cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs, the outer face/s of the tooth or teeth requiring restoration will be gently filed and texturized. This is to accommodate the thickness of the veneer as well as provide the veneer with good traction. The dental veneer will have been custom made from molds taken of your teeth in a previous appointment with the dentist. Once the tooth is prepared, the veneer will be placed over the tooth and secured in place with dental cement. A special light will then be used to harden the cement and, hence, the veneer will stay in place. Once you are happy with the fit and feel of the veneer/s you will be free to admire your newly restored smile in the mirror!

How Do I Look After Teeth With Veneers?

Teeth that have had veneers done are cared for exactly like the rest of your teeth. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and steer clear of very hard and crunchy foods. Avoid hard candy and eating ice and don’t use your teeth to tear packaging or force open containers. Colorado Springs veneers are very durable, but they aren’t invulnerable and won’t last long if you abuse them.

One other thing… the ceramic material used in the manufacturing of veneers does not respond to teeth whitening the way natural dental enamel does. Therefore, if you’re considering a visit to your cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs, you may want to mention the fact that you’ve had veneers done. Here’s another thought… before you restore one or more of your teeth, go for a whitening treatment and then match the color of your restorations to your new, beautifully white teeth!

You’re welcome!