Lexington Prosthodontics provides services for veneers in Burlington, MA. Call 781-222-3359 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
We use dental veneers to improve the appearance of your smile or to correct minor cosmetic damage to teeth. Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments like whitening and Invisalign, veneers cover over the affected tooth which gives them the ability to address a wide range of imperfections, from chips and cracks to stains and even the size of teeth.
Because veneers are primarily cosmetic and not functional, they are typically reserved for the fronts of teeth that are visible when you talk or smile. Direct veneers, also known as cosmetic bonding, involves applying tooth-colored composite resin directly to the tooth to cover any imperfections and then carefully sculpting it for a natural appearance that blends in with the rest of your smile.
When we use the indirect veneer technique, two appointments are needed. During the first, your teeth are prepared for the veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel. Next, impressions are taken and temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth. Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where veneers are fabricated from thin layers of porcelain or pressed ceramic that look like your real teeth, only better. In two to three weeks, your veneers come back from the laboratory; we remove your temporary veneers and bond the permanent veneers in place.
The benefits of veneers over crowns are that more of your tooth structure remains intact and the procedure is more comfortable. That said, veneers are not recommended for teeth that have large fillings or structural issues; crowns are a better fit for such cases, as they are better able to restore strength and function to damaged teeth.
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Veneers don’t ruin your teeth; they leave your overall tooth structure intact and require only a thin amount of enamel to be removed. Once you have veneers, though, you will always need them—you can’t change your mind and go without them once the enamel has been removed from your teeth.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers usually have to be replaced at some point, but they can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
Are veneers painful?
No, veneers are not painful. At most, you may have some tooth sensitivity. The work done on your teeth to apply veneers is all performed on the outermost layer of enamel, where there are no nerve endings.
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Any patient who has cosmetic imperfections but otherwise healthy, structurally-sound teeth. Veneers cannot be applied to teeth with active decay or in patients who have gum disease.
Do veneers look natural?
The high-quality veneers we use at our practice look as natural as your real teeth. Prosthodontists have a keen eye for detail and are trained in the art of creating restorations that look realistic. By avoiding the cookie-cutter look of cheap veneers, no one will ever guess that your teeth aren’t your own.
Call 781-222-3359 to schedule your appointment.