Menu
Many people go through life embarrassed about gaps, chips, or deep stains in their teeth. This embarrassment may cause them to avoid smiling, eating in public or even talking to people, which in turn can do serious harm to social, personal and career goals, not to mention self-esteem. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry offers an answer, in the form of porcelain veneers. The cosmetic dentist at our Solana Beach dental office makes this form of cosmetic dentistry available to San Diegans.
Veneers and crowns both cover tooth enamel, but to differing extents. Whereas crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth to provide extensive protection and reinforcement against damage or decay, veneers are designed to cover only the outer surface of the tooth. These thin sheets of porcelain are customized by our dental office to fit your own teeth perfectly and colored to match the natural appearance of surrounding teeth, giving you a beautiful smile without calling attention to the fact that you have had cosmetic dentistry performed. Our dental office recommends veneers for patients troubled by gaps, hairline cracks, discoloration that does not respond to whitening techniques, or obvious tooth wear from tooth grinding or other injuries.
The process of receiving one of these porcelain shells is relatively simple. Our cosmetic dentist will first analyze your smile to determine whether a veneer is the right solution for your needs. Once you have decided to go ahead with a particular shape and color of veneer, our dentist in Solana Beach prepares the tooth surface by removing a tiny layer of the enamel. This allows the tooth to receive the adhesive required to affix the veneer securely. Our cosmetic dentist then applies a special adhesive that reacts to light. Once the veneer is positioned to ensure a precise fit and strong bond, light is used to harden the adhesive. Veneers require less enamel removal than crowns and accept normal brushing and flossing. If you grind your teeth, a prescription night guard can help you protect your new smile.
A properly fitted porcelain veneer offers not only immediate cosmetic improvement, but it also provides a degree of reinforcement for teeth that have become cracked or otherwise weakened. For extensive enamel replacement or as an accompaniment to root canals, however, a porcelain crown will provide more structural support and protection while giving you the same cosmetic dentistry benefits. If you are only trying to correct a stained or discolored tooth, you may even be able to get the results you seek through a professional whitening session. Our Solana Beach dental office can advise you on which technique is the best solution for your specific needs. Contact our dentist in San Diego today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your available options.
Copyright © 2022 Solana Beach Smiles. All Rights Reserved.