A Closer Look at What Veneers Can Do for You

Veneers are a popular option for anyone who wants to improve the way their smile looks in just a couple of office visits. Made of thin, durable, tooth-colored porcelain, veneers are custom-crafted on a patient-by-patient basis to restore teeth and provide a dramatic “upgrade” for your smile aesthetics.

At Tomase Dental Care, Timothy Tomase, DDS, has significant experience using durable, natural-looking veneers to restore the smiles of patients at his Toledo, Ohio, practice. Here’s how veneers could help you enjoy a more beautiful, healthier-looking smile.

When veneers are used

Veneers are used for so many cosmetic issues, you might think the “v” in veneers stands for versatile! At our practice, Dr. Tomase uses veneers for an array of cosmetic concerns, like:

• Gaps between teeth
• Deeply stained or discolored teeth
• Chipped teeth 
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth that appear too small for your smile
• Uneven tooth surfaces
• Crooked front teeth
• Smile asymmetry

You can opt for one veneer to treat a single tooth or several veneers for a more extensive restoration and a picture-perfect smile.

It’s important to note that while veneers are an excellent choice for correcting the appearance of cosmetic issues, they’re usually not ideal for fixing structural problems. For instance, if a chipped tooth is also cracked or infected, other treatments, like a crown — with or without a root canal — would probably be a better choice. Similarly, while veneers can make crooked teeth look straight, they don’t address related bite issues like orthodontic treatment does.

The veneer process

Veneers typically require two office visits. At the first appointment, your tooth is prepared for the veneer, a process that involves removing a small amount of tooth surface material to make room for the veneer’s thickness. 

Dr. Tomase takes an impression of your tooth during this visit as well, to serve as a model or “mold” for your veneer. He also selects a matching shade for the restoration and places a temporary veneer on your tooth to protect it.

At the second visit, Dr. Tomase removes the temporary veneer, then gently cleans the tooth surface, taking care to remove any residue. He applies the veneer using a special bonding agent, then shapes it so it fits comfortably and blends in beautifully with the rest of your teeth. 

Caring for your veneers

Caring for veneers is simple: Just brush and floss like you normally do and have regular dental checkups. Routine exams ensure the veneer is secure and in good shape, while also making sure the tooth supporting the veneer stays healthy. With proper care, you can expect your veneers to last for a decade or more. 

One thing to remember: Because they’re essentially nonporous, veneers can’t be whitened like your natural teeth. Many people opt to have professional whitening first, so their new veneer can be matched to their natural teeth when they look their best.

If you’re ready to restore your smile to its dazzling best, veneers could be a great solution. To learn more about veneers and how they’re used, call 419-670-6537 or book an appointment online at Tomase Dental Care today.