Dental Veneers in Gladstone, MO
Dental veneers, also referred to as porcelain laminates, are an effective and long-lasting dental cosmetic procedure. The process involves placing a layer (or shell) of porcelain over the surface of your tooth to mask imperfections and match the color and look of your surrounding, natural teeth. It can be used to correct worn out enamel, uneven looking teeth, spacing between teeth, cracks, chips, and even teeth discoloration. At Happy Rock Dental, we offer dental veneers in Gladstone, Missouri for patients who are looking for a dramatic smile makeover.
Uses of Dental Veneers
Veneers aren’t used only as a restorative procedure. Veneers also provide a protective barrier over your teeth strengthening them and protecting the surface to prevent future damage. Laminates are strong and provide a complete improvement in appearance. Laminates can repair many minor cosmetic flaws in your smile including:
- Spacing – Laminates can help to fill in uneven gaps and spacing between teeth.
- Uneven Look –Veneers can help create even or otherwise appropriate length among teeth, creating a more even look to your smile.
- Wear/Age – Teeth wear down with age and become cracked or chipped over time. Laminates can mask this wear and tear and make your smile appear healthy and young.
- Enamel – Enamel wears down over time and appears dull or discolored, this can result from weak enamel or from food, coffee, tea, or smoking. Even medications can contribute to the problem. Veneers can strengthen this surface.
It should be noted that while other restorative procedures, such as dental implants, completely replace a missing tooth permanently, dental veneers simply hide the unattractive tooth.
How Does it Work?
Traditionally, veneers would have required multiple visits to the dentist. However, at our office, we use CEREC technology– an advanced system that allows our dentist to create and apply your veneer in just one office visit! With our CEREC technology, we use software to create a customized digital depiction of your veneer(s) and with a touch of a button, another machine will carve the real version out of a small block of high quality material chosen to match your desired shade.
Once the veneer is completed, our dentists will prepare the tooth for the placement of the veneer. This preparation process entails etching the surface of the tooth to create more room for the veneer and avoid a bulky smile. This etching process is not painful, however, if the sound causes anxiety, our team can use anesthesia to increase your relaxation.
Once the tooth is prepared, our dentist will permanently attach the veneer to the affected tooth using dental cement. After the process, we will remove any excess cement and make sure your bite is optimal. Our dentists will then make any final assessments to see if the laminate is placed perfectly and works for you. We may need to schedule a follow-up visit to make sure your gums are adjusting to the new veneer and to see if everything is positioned correctly and working well. The procedure is irreversible and can last up to 5-10 years depending on how well you care for your new smile.
Do I need Laminates?
If your teeth are in decent shape and function well, veneers may be the ideal solution to repair your minor imperfections or enamel problems. Any procedure that requires removal of tooth structure is permanent. Because veneers require the removal of a tiny amount of enamel, it is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. Because of this, our dentists will oftentimes seek other less complex procedures before opting for veneers. However, if the patient’s situation determines the need for veneers, we will create a custom treatment plan to ensure a successful procedure. Laminates last a long time and can immediately enhance your smile and appearance without the need for surgery or orthodontic treatment.
Should I Whiten my Teeth First?
Whitening treatments and dental veneers often go hand in hand. If you are interested in whitening your smile, it is always best to perform this service before placement of your veneer. This is because any restoration, including veneers, do not react to whitening agents in the same way a natural tooth does. This means that if you whiten your smile after placement of your veneers, you will mostly likely notice a difference in the shade of your veneer and your natural teeth. You will want to discuss your options and desired results with your dentist first to ensure the best outcome.
Post Care Routine
Visits to our office are important in order to protect your new smile. You may want to wear a mouth guard at nighttime if you grind your teeth and always avoid hard foods to prevent chipping or cracking your veneer. Daily flossing and brushing and regular oral healthcare should be applied to keep your porcelain laminates in good shape so that they can last a long time.
For more information on our dental veneers process in Gladstone, MO, contact our team to schedule your consultation. We look forward to caring for and improving your smile. If you enjoyed the information found on this page, check out our impressive and gentle treatment for gum recession.
We Love To See Your Smile