Dental Veneers

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

If you are looking for a fast way to get a beautiful smile, dental veneers may be a great choice! We know that sometimes discolored or misshapen teeth can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness, and covering your existing teeth with veneers may give you the extra confidence you’ve been looking for.

Dental veneers can cover up most cosmetic tooth issues, including chipped, unevenly-spaced, or discolored teeth. While veneers are not a permanent solution, with the right dental professional and correct daily hygiene, veneers may last you for 10-15 years.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin artificial tooth covers that are custom-made for each patient. With proper care, veneers are sturdy and long-lasting. If you’re interested in pursuing veneers as a dental option, we’ll consult with you about your desires for cosmetic repairs. At Lewis Family & Implant Dental, we believe in going over all of your options, not just the quickest fix. Veneers are not the same as dental crowns, as they are less durable and only cover the front side of the tooth. Crowns cover the entire tooth. Many people with oral cosmetic issues choose dental veneers because it is a speedy procedure with quick results. Depending on the material you’ve chosen, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your new dental veneers by the end of your dental appointment.

What are veneers made out of?

Dental veneers are either porcelain or composite. For porcelain veneers, a mold will be taken of your teeth so your custom teeth caps can be created. On average, this can take up to two weeks, but sometimes less. Once the veneers are ready, they will be affixed on the surface of your teeth with a bonding procedure. However, if one of your porcelain veneers breaks for any reason, it cannot be repaired. Any broken or fractured veneers need to be completely replaced.

Composite veneers can be created within our office, which means you can leave the office with customize teeth caps in one visit. The structure of each tooth will need to be altered significantly for placement of composite veneers. This type of veneer is less of an investment than porcelain veneers, but composite veneers will not last as long. However, if a composite veneer breaks, it can be repaired by simply visiting our office.

Are dental veneers the right option for me?

When you already have good oral health, dental veneers can be a great choice. Those with poor dental health including gum disease, broken teeth, or tooth decay are not good candidates. Also, if you grind or clench your teeth often, dental veneers are not the ideal choice for you, as they are not meant to handle the intense pressure of teeth grinding. Additionally, under-bites and overbites cannot be corrected with the placement of dental veneers.

Dental Veneer Aftercare

After your veneers have been placed, careful protection and maintenance is paramount. You should avoid eating hard foods, and rigorous oral hygiene is essential. Have your veneers examined twice a year and have regularly scheduled cleanings to prolong the life of your dental veneers, whether they are porcelain or composite.

You can depend on comprehensive oral care when you choose Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry for your dental veneer needs. For more information on dental veneers, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!