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Having an attractive smile helps an individual’s self-esteem. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are numerous ways to achieve pearly white teeth and a healthy smile. One of the most common dental treatment approaches is getting veneers.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells, usually made out of porcelain, fitted to cover the front of your teeth. They are created to match your natural teeth. Your dentist might recommend veneers to hide any dental imperfections in your teeth that don’t require medical attention, such as:

• Chipping
• Stains
• Gaps
• Pits

Types of Veneers

There are three types of veneers:

• Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain can easily match your natural teeth, making it a popular material in cosmetic dentistry. A high-quality ceramic porcelain veneer is durable and can last up to 20 years.
• Composite Resin Veneers – Resin is a low-cost but very versatile material, making it an excellent alternative for porcelain veneers. However, composite resin veneers only last about 8 years.
• No-prep Veneers – Newly introduced to cosmetic dentistry, no-prep veneers offer a convenient and fast way of getting veneers. You can get them on the same day as your appointment. As the name implies, they require little to no preparation. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin.

Consult your dentist to find out what type of veneer would be best for you.

Getting Dental Veneers

The process of getting veneers usually requires two to three appointments, especially for porcelain ones.

The first step in getting veneers is consulting with your dentist for a diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan. Your dentist will usually ask you to undergo X-ray imaging to check whether veneers are appropriate for you. Dental veneers have limitations and are not recommended for anyone suffering from:

• Decaying teeth
• Gum disease
• Other underlying conditions

Make sure you inform your dentist if you have any underlying conditions that could potentially be affected by getting veneers.

After your diagnosis, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory. You will need to come back in one to two weeks. On your next appointment, your dentist will make sure the veneers fit and may reshape your teeth by trimming the enamel. Trimming is done to prevent the veneers from feeling bulky once they are attached.

Attaching the veneers to the front surface of the teeth involves dental cement for binding. A 60-second use of dental curing light is followed to make sure the cement hardens and binds quickly. Your dentist may remove any excess material and ask you to schedule a follow-up.

Advantages of Veneers

Choosing veneers to improve your oral well-being brings both aesthetic and health benefits.  First of all, dental veneers are excellent in covering minor flaws such as discoloration and small gaps. They are a worthy investment in achieving and maintaining a pearly-white smile. The procedure to get veneers is very minimally invasive. It will not hurt in any way, and you will also get to retain most of your teeth. If necessary, your dentist will only trim a little of your tooth enamel.

Veneers are also permanent, so you don’t have to worry about any special cleaning requirements. You can care for your veneers the same way you care for your natural teeth — regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Not to mention, they also look natural. Most people won’t notice that you have veneers!

Dental Veneers in Plantation, FL

Veneers are a permanent, non-invasive solution to getting a perfect smile. They’re durable, last a long time, and you can treat them just like your natural teeth.

If you are looking for advice or a consultation regarding veneers in Plantation, Florida, look no further than Dr. Ernie Soto. He is a licensed and highly-skilled cosmetic dental practitioner. You may contact our office at (954) 368-6264, or you may request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve that beautiful smile.