Stained, chipped, or gapped teeth can cause low self-confidence and impact your social life. Yuki Lu, DDS, and her team at Pearl Dentistry in West Covina, California, provide veneers to patients of all ages who want a quick, long-lasting way to have a more beautiful smile. Call or schedule a consultation online today to find out if veneers are a good option for your teeth.

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What are veneers?

> A veneer is a very thin piece of porcelain that bonds to your own tooth to create a brighter, more even, natural-looking tooth. Each veneer is custom-fit to your individual teeth, and they are an excellent cosmetic solution for enhancing brightness and correcting gaps and misshapen teeth. Veneers also add strength to your teeth that are superior to your own natural enamel. 

Veneers are made of resin composite materials and porcelain. Porcelain is the most stain-resistant material and looks the most like natural teeth. Dr. Lu can whiten the veneers before applying them to your teeth to give you a more radiant smile, and the shade won’t change over time.

What problems do veneers correct?

Dr. Lu regularly recommends veneers as a way to correct both cosmetic and functional problems with teeth. Typical dental issues veneers can correct include:

  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Misaligned, uneven teeth
  • Irregularly shaped teeth
  • Gaps between your teeth

Veneers can also help teeth that have become discolored due to root canals, medications, or tobacco use. 

What is the procedure for veneers?

The procedure for veneers begins with a consultation to discuss the problems you want to correct and the results you hope to achieve. Dr. Lu explains your options and how the veneers can help correct and improve the overall appearance of your smile.

At your next appointment, Dr. Lu shapes your existing teeth to prepare them for the veneers by removing a small amount of enamel from the surface. This shaving is minimal, approximately the thickness of the wafer-thin veneer. Once your teeth are prepared, Dr. Lu makes an impression of your teeth so the lab can create your custom veneers.

It usually takes a few weeks for your veneers to be constructed, and if necessary, Dr. Lu places temporary veneers over your teeth. When the permanent veneers are ready, you’ll come in to get your teeth cleaned and Dr. Lu etches the surface of your teeth to prepare them for the bonding process.

Next, Dr. Lu applies a special cement to the tooth and veneer and uses a light source that causes the cement to bond them securely. Once Dr. Lu carefully places each veneer on each tooth and bonds them, they are permanently in place. 

How do I care for my new veneers?

Dr. Lu may recommend wearing a nightguard while you sleep to help prevent your new veneers from cracking or chipping, especially if you grind your teeth. Sometimes new veneers create a bite that feels different than what you’re used to. This can cause you to involuntarily grind or clench your teeth at night.

Wearing a custom-fit mouthguard protects your new veneers from potential chipping, and can save you the expense of having to repair a veneer.

If you have stained or gapped teeth, veneers might be the solution you’re looking for. Call or schedule a consultation with Pearl Dentistry today using the online booking feature.