For decades, the vast majority of a dentist’s work was finding problems (mostly cavities) and fixing them (usually by drilling or extracting the tooth). Restoring the function of the tooth with a silver filling, gold crown, or denture.

Today, dentists recognize the connection between how a person looks and how they feel. Modern high-tech dentists offer cosmetic treatments to transform not only the function of your teeth, but their appearance as well.

Are cosmetic veneers in your future? Let’s find out.

What can cosmetic veneers fix?

Most cosmetic treatments are targeted to improve a single problem. Teeth whitening treatments eliminate stains and Invisalign straightens misaligned teeth, for example. Cosmetic veneers on the other hand are very versatile, offering the opportunity to fix many issues simultaneously. Veneers can reduce the appearance of:

  • Misaligned teeth
  • Stained teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Worn teeth
  • Teeth with rough or jagged edges

Cosmetic veneers can even eliminate small gaps between teeth!

How do veneers work?

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

  1. Your dentist will remove a small amount of your natural tooth structure. Because of this, veneers are a permanent treatment that can’t be undone.
  2. Custom veneers will be created to match the desired color and shape of your new smile.
  3. Your dentist will securely bond your veneers to your teeth and you’ll be ready to smile with confidence!

Depending on the number of teeth you’re looking to “cover” with veneers, you may need two or more treatment sessions. In addition, to produce the best possible results and a symmetrical smile, veneers are usually done in pairs. So, even if there’s a single problem tooth, you may need 2 veneers.

With proper care, your veneers may last for around a decade or so before they need to be replaced. At your regular checkups, your dentist will monitor the condition of your veneers and let you know how they’re doing.

Before you settle on veneers, your dentist will review the process with you, what you can expect, and how to care for your veneers. But remember, veneers are a permanent treatment and you must be committed to a lifetime of care and maintenance.

What about so-called “no-prep” veneers or other reversible options?

Some cosmetic dentists offer a treatment called, “no-prep” veneers. The biggest difference (and the source of the biggest drawbacks of this option) is that these veneers don’t require the removal of any natural tooth structure.

Instead, ultra-thin veneers are bonded directly to your natural teeth. This makes no-prep veneers a reversible treatment — if you decide you don’t like them, you can go back to the way things were. However, no-prep veneers have a downside, too:

  • They are thinner and less durable than other veneer options
  • They attach directly to your teeth, so they can look larger than natural teeth

Many people who would otherwise love veneers are put off by the drawbacks of no-prep veneers. Or they’re disappointed by the results of their no-prep veneer treatment.

If you’re interested in cosmetic veneers but want to keep your options open, consider a cosmetic resin bonding treatment.

Unlike veneers, resin bonding is a temporary and reversible treatment. Using a tooth-colored composite resin, Dr. Black at Timberhill Dental can hide many small cosmetic imperfections in your teeth. The resin bonds to your teeth and can be colored to create the perfect smile. Cosmetic bonding is durable and can even strengthen your teeth if they’ve been damaged by minor chips or cracks.

You may not be a good candidate for veneers if…

Veneers aren’t the perfect choice for everyone. During your veneers consult at Timberhill Dental, we’ll start by evaluating the current state of your teeth. If you’re currently suffering from tooth decay and/or gum disease, those issues must be resolved. Veneers — and most other cosmetic dental treatments — require a foundation of healthy teeth to ensure long term success.

In addition to decay and disease, we must also be mindful of severely misaligned or crooked teeth. In these cases, Invisalign may be a better option to align your teeth and close larger gaps.

If you’re mostly concerned about stains on your teeth, a series of whitening treatments may be the best solution.

Remember, every single person is unique and their teeth are, too! That’s why our team at Timberhill Dental will take the time to get to know you and learn about what you’d like to see changed about your smile. Then we’ll work together to create the best possible treatment plan.

We will do everything we can to make sure you feel confident in the care you receive at Timberhill Dental.

Schedule your veneers consult today

Are you looking for a way to transform your smile? Schedule a consult at Timberhill Dental today. Call (541) 754-0144 today! We can’t wait to see you.

Don’t forget: We offer second opinions. If another dentist has told you that you’re not a great candidate for veneers, ask us. We may agree or we may be able to recommend a different cosmetic treatment to improve your smile.

At the very least, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing you asked!