Veneers are a great way to correct imperfections in your smile and provide more protection to your teeth and gums at the same time. If you’re interested in veneers in Las Cruces, NM, University Family Dental can tell you more about how they work and whether they’re right for you.
How Porcelain Veneers Improve the Aesthetics of Your Smile
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells that are made to cover the front surface of your teeth. This is known as a cosmetic procedure because you’re addressing the front top and bottom teeth (or the part that everyone else can see). Once you have veneers, your smile will be aligned, bright, and shapely.
Preparation and Procedure: How Veneers Are Placed in the Mouth
The procedure is just two visits, but it does take several weeks to finish. The first visit is the exam and tooth preparation. It’s a comprehensive phase of the treatment where the dentist will look for any oral health problems so they can be addressed before the official placement. An impression of your teeth will be taken so custom temporaries can be made for you, followed by a digital scan for to create the final veneers.
This phase is also where you and the dentist will pick a tooth color. While it may be tempting to opt for gleaming white, the point of veneers is for them to blend with the rest of your teeth. (Even with whitening services, it may be difficult to remove all stains.) Once this is complete, our dentists at University Family Dental in Las Cruces, NM will provide you with home instructions so that you will be able to easily care for your teeth in the interim.
For the second visit, you may receive a local anesthetic to prepare for the veneer placement. Once tried in and approved by you and our dentists, the final cementation and finishing procedures are completed. The bite and contours will be adjusted as needed and you are free to eat and drink as soon as any anesthetic is worn away. Care instructions will also be given after this visit. A nightguard or retainer may be suggested to protect your new smile.
Why Porcelain Veneers Are So Popular
Whether it’s discoloration, chips, cracks, or misalignment, veneers are like a cure-all for your smile. Uneven, stained, or crooked teeth are common, and they can potentially contribute to more serious issues like malocclusion, gum disease, and eventually, tooth loss.
Some people are more prone to these issues, whether due to genetics or lifestyle, and veneers give them a relatively easy and safe way to make their mouth a little stronger and a lot more attractive.
Porcelain veneers are also durable and relatively easy to care for. However, there are a few things you should know:
- It’s impossible to fix chips or fractures in your veneers, so it’s important to develop healthy habits. This includes standard oral hygiene and avoiding hard objects (e.g., pencils, popcorn kernels, etc.).
- As with your regular teeth, staining from things like red wine or coffee can be a concern. Just make sure that you’re brushing soon after staining activities to protect the veneers.
Veneers in Las Cruces, NM
If you’re looking for veneers in Las Cruces, University Family Dental is here to make it happen. Veneers provide the kind of definition that can improve confidence every time you speak, laugh, or smile. They can also give your mouth more stability, which can help you avoid costly treatments down the line. Contact us to set up your first appointment today.