Many of our patients here at Expertise Dental in Charleston are opting to undergo smile makeovers. And veneers are a very effective choice for a smile redesign as this procedure can be done quickly and easily.

Veneers are a great option for a smile makeover as they can cover up several imperfections such as making short teeth look longer, closing gaps or disguising chipped or stained teeth. They can create anything from a Hollywood smile to a more natural looking smile and give you an instant cosmetic transformation.

Firstly, what are veneers?

Veneers are custom-made contact-thin shells which basically cover the front of your teeth to improve their appearance, a bit like a false nail. They also protect your teeth from damage and can help create a beautiful smile.

They are tooth-colored and matched to your other teeth. The veneers are bonded to your teeth to change the length, size, shape, or color. They are great for hiding stained, gappy, crooked or damaged teeth. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive.

Types of Veneers

There are various types of veneers although here at Expertise Dental we offer two types – porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a popular option, and these are made of custom-made high-quality tooth-colored ceramic which are very versatile and long lasting. They are durable and resistant to stains and usually last on average 10-15 years, sometimes even beyond. Our doctors specialize in minimally invasive and no-prep veneers techniques which requires little to no removal of any tooth structure.

Composite veneers  also cover the front of the tooth but are made with a resin that is directly placed on your tooth. They are created free-hand and do not require a laboratory technician to fabricate them. Some benefits of composite veneers are that they are less expensive than porcelain and they are easily repairable. Unlike porcelain, however, they may stain with coffee, tea and red wine over time.

Our doctors will discuss which options would work best for you to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile that you desire.

How are they fitted?

First we will select the tooth shade which best matches your other teeth. An impression and digital photos will be taken of the tooth, or teeth, for the veneers and this will be sent to the laboratory to make your custom porcelain veneers. In the meantime a temporary veneer is usually fitted before you return for your second appointment. The temporary veneers will be in the shape and color of what your new smile will look like but will be made out of plastic. This gives you the opportunity to test-drive your new smile and be sure you love the way it looks ad feels.

For composite veneers, the doctors will select colors that will match your surrounding teeth and use the composite material to shape and sculpt your new smile. This is done in one single appointment and you will walk out with a brand new smile!

Taking care of veneers?

Aftercare and good oral hygiene are key to maintaining the longevity of veneers. It’s often advisable to avoid foods or drinks that may stain your teeth and avoid chewing on items which may damage your veneers such as hard candy or pencils!  Of course, we advise you to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and of course brush and floss regularly.

What are the main benefits of porcelain veneers?

There are numerous benefits to veneers. They brighten your teeth and give you an instant natural looking dazzling smile. They can cover a variety of imperfections from chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, gaps, staining, pointy teeth or small teeth. They are durable and less invasive than crowns or implants whilst treatment time is pretty quick as they require only a few appointments.

The downside to porcelain veneers is they are permanent until the end of their lifespan and if chipped cannot be repaired so replacement is the only option.

You can find more information on veneers here or schedule an appointment with us at our Mt Pleasant or West Ashley dental offices to find out the best type of veneers to suit you and your smile.