Modern dentistry has solutions for a variety of problems to help you have the smile you want. Dental veneers in Phoenix is one such solution that is commonly used to fix tooth discoloration that will not respond to other whitening methods; worn down, chipped or broken teeth; misaligned, irregularly shaped or uneven teeth; and large gaps between teeth. A veneer is made of porcelain or resin composite material and is a wafer-thin shell essentially that is custom made to cover the front facing surface of a tooth or teeth. They can be made to match your individual tooth color and are bonded to the front of your teeth to hold in place.
Porcelain veneers in Phoenix are more stain resistant and offer a more natural tooth look while resin veneers are thinner and do not require as much of your original tooth to be removed for placement. Either way, a veneer can offer a good alternative to other, more invasive procedures such as crowns, especially for people with overall healthy teeth. If you have very weak teeth or excessive decay, veneers are not likely the best solution for you as your existing enamel may not be able to support them. Also, if you grind or clench your teeth, you should not get veneers as this could cause them to chip or crack, requiring a full replacement.
When you are looking at veneers in Phoenix, ask your dentist to explain the process to you so you know what to expect. You will likely have x-rays taken to get a good impression of your mouth and teeth. This ensures that the veneer is properly created for you. Then, your dentist will remove a small amount of your existing tooth enamal to prepare the surface and then numb the local area to take the full impression. When the veneers are ready for placement, this is done via a process called bonding. During bonding, the veneers are permanently adhered to your teeth and, as it is being placed, your dentist will fine tune the placement to make sure it fits properly and completely. A light beam is applied to the veneer that activates the cement chemicals, resulting in the hardening and ultimate bonding of the veneer to your natural tooth. Any excess cement is cleaned away and your dentist will evaluate your bite to ensure it is right and what was expected. You will likely return for a follow up visit after a couple of weeks to check your teeth and gums to make sure all look healthy and that you are not experiencing any problems. You will be happy that you have chosen to fix your dental problems and be smiling big in no time.
