If you want that Hollywood smile, there may be some work you need to do first. Veneers can help. Veneers are essentially new surfaces that fit over your existing teeth. They are a fairly extensive treatment usually only recommended if you want to make some major cosmetic changes, but when they are used, they can completely change the look of your smile.
Here are the major situations in which veneers are useful.
Veneers aren't for those who have advanced decay in their front teeth. Root canals and crowns are usually used in that situation, because the tooth and tooth pulp have to be excised and then replaced. Veneers fit over healthy teeth, though those teeth are filed down somewhat to make room for the veneer.
Veneers are usually for those with cosmetic issues, though they can also be used for those with weak enamel. Weak enamel can eventually lead to internal decay, but when caught quickly, it can be treated with the use of a veneer. A veneer will protect the enamel before it can become damaged.
Some patients may feel as though their teeth are too widely set or too small for their mouth. For instance, someone may feel that their teeth are too pointy, too small, or simply just not the shape they would prefer.
Veneers are usually the treatment of choice for those who want to change the shape of their teeth completely. With a natural, easily customized appearance, veneers can be used to replicate any type of natural teeth.
Veneers can also be used to fill in gaps or uneven spacing between teeth as though those spaces were never even there.
If your teeth are badly stained and discolored, veneers are often a fast way to fix them without having to invest in multiple whitening treatments. On the other hand, if you just want to whiten your teeth up a few shades, a tooth whitening treatment (done by a professional) may be a faster, easier way to do it.
Even professional whitening treatments can only lighten teeth so much, however, and natural teeth may not always whiten evenly. If you've had work in the past, such as visible fillings, those fillings may not whiten at the same rate as your natural enamel, either. In that situation, veneers may be a better choice.
Chipped, worn, and crooked teeth can also be fixed through the use of veneers. Though these issues can occur because of accidents or surgical procedures, the treatment of them is often cosmetic unless your bite has been changed. If only your enamel is worn or chipped, and your teeth aren't very crooked, you may not need any drilling or replacements.
Instead, veneers can be a relatively noninvasive way to restore your teeth to their previous appearance. Veneers don't require internal posts, such as implants, or drilling into the root as in a root canal. Most dentists want to keep as much of the original tooth as possible, as it's healthier for the patient in general. Veneers allow for this.
Are you trying to get your smile fixed? You may be a good candidate for veneers. Cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile that you deserve, and veneers are only one of the many ways that a healthy smile can be created. Contact the experts at Sparks Dental today, serving the patients of Sparks and Reno, NV.