Veneers – Lakewood, CO
Make Your Dream Smile a Reality
Many years ago, a perfect smile was something only the rich and famous could achieve. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then! If you have multiple dental imperfections, you can get the beautiful grin you’ve always wanted with veneers in Lakewood. Dr. Emanuel and the rest of the team can simultaneously boost your confidence and improve your oral health with this cosmetic service. To learn more about it, continue reading or give our office a call today to schedule an appointment!
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin sheaths of dental-grade ceramic or porcelain, designed to mask almost any imperfection under a flawless appearance. Each veneer is placed directly over a tooth to dramatically improve its color, shape, and size.
Because of their versatility, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic solutions. They’re able to address several flaws, including staining, chips, cracks, and misalignment. Best of all, your new smile can last well over 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The first step on your journey towards a new and improved grin is a consultation with Dr. Emanuel. During your visit, she’ll ask about your goals and perform an oral examination to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for veneers in Lakewood. Using her findings, she’ll create a custom treatment plan that’ll give you your desired results.
In preparation for veneer replacement, Dr. Emanuel will remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure the restorations fit properly on each tooth. She will take impressions of your smile and send them off to a trusted dental laboratory where technicians will create your custom veneers based on certain specifications, including size, color, and shape.
After about two weeks, you’ll return to the office and have your permanent veneers bonded into place. Each veneer will be carefully placed, ensuring the final result looks as seamless as possible. Once your teeth are polished, you’ll be ready to show off your beautiful set of pearly whites that same day!
The Benefits of Veneers
Aside from improving your appearance, veneers offer many incredible benefits that you may not be aware of. Some of those include:
- Natural-looking appearance
- Boost of confidence
- Long-lasting results (up to 15 years with proper maintenance)
- Fast treatment that can be completed in as little as two appointments
- Stain-resistant material
Veneers FAQs
Are Veneers Permanent?
While veneers are not technically permanent since they will eventually require replacement, they are considered irreversible because placing them permanently alters the treated teeth. For veneers to be fixed into place upon the teeth, a small amount of enamel will have to be removed. Since enamel does not grow back, teeth that have received veneers will always need to wear them or crowns for protection. With excellent care and hygiene, veneers can last for ten to twenty years before needing to be replaced.
Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?
While veneers cannot change the position of the teeth or jaw, they can address misalignments or malocclusions in mild cases. For patients with a slight open bite, veneers can add length and width to the teeth, making them appear to line up correctly. Veneers can also close small gaps in the smile. However, veneers can only address cosmetic bite issues that don’t cause any significant oral health problems. You will also have to wait until any current orthodontic treatment is completed before receiving veneers.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers generally last between ten to fifteen years, but in some cases, they can last for thirty years or more with excellent care. In 2007, a study of 304 veneers found that 96% of veneers were still working after five years, 93% lasted to ten years, 91% endured for at least twelve years, and 73% lasted at least fifteen years. While these numbers are rather impressive, the deciding factor in how long they last is how well you take care of them. Veneers usually fail due to fractures, chips, or cracks that could have been prevented. The best way to keep your veneers in great shape for the longest time is to practice excellent oral hygiene while refraining from biting down too hard or using your teeth as tools.
What Materials are Used for Veneers?
Veneers are usually made from dental porcelain or cosmetic resin. Veneers made from composite resin are relatively inexpensive with a price tag usually between $250 and $1500 per tooth. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are often reversible because they usually don’t require any alteration of your natural teeth, and they can usually last between five to seven years before needing replacement. Porcelain veneers typically last for ten to fifteen years, and they are more resistant to stains and chips and generally considered more aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain veneers usually require two appointments to be placed.