By Arthur Kezian

You are probably looking for ways to improve your smile. With dental veneers, this should no longer be a dream. Veneers are capable of fixing several issues with your teeth, including discoloration, irregular teeth alignment, gaps between the teeth, a worn enamel, or having broken, chipped teeth.

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin layers of shell that are tooth-colored to cover the front of your teeth. They are bonded onto the tooth surface to help correct shape, color, add gloss and cover gaps between teeth. Two options are available: porcelain and composite (resin) veneers.

To get composite veneers, you may require just one appointment with the dentist. They are less costly, but less durable as well. They are not as glossy or appealing as porcelain veneers, but the advantage with a composite veneer is that any chips that may occur along the way can be repaired.

Porcelain dental veneers are built stronger and can last for many years. The gloss of the veneer is usually bright – you can choose the exact shade you want – and the tooth surface does not stain easily as is the case with a resin layer. If well taken care of, veneers should last for many years without any chips or cracks on the teeth.

Are Veneers Right for You?

Dental veneers suit just about anyone who wants to improve the look of their teeth. However, if you have gum disease or suffer from tooth decay, you’ll first need to undergo treatment before you can have veneers. You dentist will advice you further on this.

Porcelain dental veneers are a popular choice over other cosmetic dental procedures for many people. Not only do you get a brighter smile to give you that confidence boost; if you have damaged teeth, a layer of veneers can help protect them, shielding you from teeth sensitivity. Dental veneers are also quite durable, sustaining a glossy look of your teeth for many years.

Getting Dental Veneers – The Procedure

For composite veneers, the dentist should perform the operation ‘in-chair’ on the same day, after assessing if this would be the best option for you. For porcelain veneers, the process should be covered in about three appointments. First the dentist performs an examination of your teeth. Then your dentist advises if veneers would be right for you and explains the procedure involved.

The next appointment involves a slight removal of the enamel tooth surface; the procedure might require an anesthetic to numb the pain. After this, an accurate impression of your teeth is made on stone to be used for fabricating the set of veneers that correspond to your teeth. A temporary set may be issued on the same day if the teeth appear quite unappealing.

Finally, after one to two weeks, the veneers will be carefully cemented onto your teeth, using special cement that is bonded permanently. Excess cement is removed and your new system evaluated to see how it works for you.

Los Angeles dental veneers can help you get a brighter, whiter smile to enhance your confidence. Let the dentists analyze your individual needs, advise you on the best options for your teeth and ways to take proper care of your veneers.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777