If you have minor smile imperfections such as a misshapen tooth, small gaps between the teeth, or tooth discolourations, then dental veneers may be the treatment you are looking for.
Dental veneers involve a cosmetic procedure that utilizes thin shells of composite or porcelain material. They are customized according to your ideal tooth size, shape, length, and colour to create a beautiful smile that enhances your features.
Some patients also opt for dental veneers for a more proportioned and harmonious smile. This is also the treatment of choice for the famous “Hollywood smile makeover”.
At Chinook Dental Group, our cosmetic dentists are equipped with detailed artistry to give you natural-looking, life-changing veneers. Carry on reading to know more!
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells of tooth-coloured composite or high-quality porcelain. This is placed on the edge or the front surface of the tooth to alter its overall appearance.
Over the years, cosmetic dentistry has introduced several types of dental veneers to patients. Some require minimal tooth preparation while others are termed as “no-prep” veneers. But generally, veneers involve a conservative approach to cosmetic and restorative makeovers that make a big impact on your smile and confidence.
Who needs dental veneers?
If you want to conceal cosmetic imperfections, veneers are a great investment to consider. Some of the dental issues it can cover and repair are:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Diastemas or gapped teeth
- Stubborn stains
- Too small teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth, like peg laterals
Dental veneers can also modify the smile if you want to revamp how you look. Because they can be entirely customized, our cosmetic team can alter how each tooth looks to give you a complete smile makeover.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Cosmetic dentistry involves a wide range of dental treatments that are targeted to create a more attractive and healthy smile. However, certain advantages set veneers apart from other cosmetic dental procedures, such as:
Very conservative treatment
Veneers preserve most of the tooth structure as it requires very minimal tooth preparation. Some may even consider “no-prep” veneers which involve scratching just the tooth surface, without making significant tooth reduction.
Stain and wear-resistant
Porcelain veneers are made using high-quality porcelain material that is highly resistant to cracks, chips, and discolourations. The superior durability of porcelain provides optimal comfort during function. So you can eat without worries that the restoration might easily damage.
Long-lasting
Because of the quality of the material used for veneers, they can be a great long-term investment. Tooth-coloured composite veneers can last up to 7-10 years while porcelain veneers can remain good as new for over 15 years. This is, of course, with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits for upkeep.
Natural appearance
These customizable veneers are made to look like natural teeth. Your dentist can carve and mould them so they look seamless and proportional to your features. Also, porcelain possesses aesthetic qualities alike natural teeth. This helps porcelain veneers look incredibly realistic and lifelike.
Low maintenance
Because veneers do not require much tooth preparation and are made of ultra-thin material, they do not require additional steps to your usual hygiene routine to keep them pristine. Brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash like you usually would. And visit your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleaning.
How are dental veneers done?
At Chinook Dental Group, our dental veneers are completed within 1 – 3 days, depending on the material you choose. But of course, this differs with every patient. Here’s a general overview of how we do dental veneers:
Composite Veneers
Composite dental veneers can be completed in just one appointment. Our cosmetic dentist uses cosmetic composite materials which are shade-matched to the colour of veneers you want. Then, this is placed directly over the tooth and contoured to the ideal tooth size, shape, and length you want.
Porcelain Veneers
Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers require more work to do and finish. But, the results are superior and long-lasting, so the wait and the investment are worth it. Here’s what you can expect for a procedure with porcelain veneers:
First appointment
A smile consultation and design are accomplished during the first appointment. This helps our cosmetic dentist understand your smile goals and serves as a guide for the rest of the treatment. Then, minimal tooth preparation is done to get your teeth ready for veneers.
While you wait for your final veneers, temporary ones will be fitted to protect your teeth from sensitivity and chipping.
Second appointment
The next visit should be after 1 – 2 weeks. The temporary veneers will be removed so we can fit and check your final veneers. When everything is to your liking, each veneer is polished to remove surface irregularities and achieve a natural and lifelike shine. Your teeth are also cleaned to help the veneers stick better.
Using dental cement, the veneers are carefully placed on each tooth. This is cured in place using blue light. The last step is to check your bite and adjust where necessary.
What will the results be?
Dental veneers should create a natural-looking smile that you will love for life. Rest assured, this is our goal at Chinook Dental Group.
However, keep in mind that because veneers require some tooth reduction, this is a permanent and irreversible treatment. Should the veneers come off, you must replace them with a new one to cover the tooth. It is also for this reason that tooth sensitivity may be experienced with tooth structures reduced and exposed.
Good quality veneers that are carefully and properly made should meet your expectations of how an ideal smile should look like. And with proper maintenance through good hygiene care and frequent dental visits, you can expect your veneers to last a very long time.
Dental Veneers in Calgary
If you are looking for an experienced cosmetic dentistry team to get you started on your veneer treatment, let our friendly professionals at Chinook Dental Group help you out. Equipped with modern dental facilities and outstanding levels of skill and knowledge from our cosmetic dentists, we can craft your brand new, veneer smile.
