Why See a Cosmetic Dentist for Veneers?

A cosmetic dentist can transform an uneven, cracked, or chipped smile with dental veneers. However, with such a variety of applications, many patients are unsure if they may benefit from this cosmetic dental service. For overall smile improvement, consider seeing a cosmetic dentist about veneers.

What are dental veneers, and why consider them?

Dental veneers fit over the fronts of teeth, making them well-suited for covering a range of cosmetic imperfections. The veneer itself is a wafer-thin porcelain shell. The cosmetic dentist must remove some enamel from the tooth to accommodate the veneer. Thus, veneers are permanent.

A general dentist can help patients determine whether they would be good candidates for this procedure. For instance, the patient must have sufficient enamel to protect the tooth even after removing the necessary enamel. Here are three reasons to consider dental veneers.

Get a more uniform smile

The most popular benefit of veneers is their ability to change almost any smile into a more uniform one. Many celebrities undergo treatment with veneers for this reason, which is why the result is often called a "movie star" or "Hollywood" smile. Patients concerned about their smile's unevenness — due to teeth that are too large, too small, or a mix of both — may find the solution to what they are looking for with veneers.

Fix a cracked, chipped smile

Cracked or chipped teeth do not always pose an immediate threat to oral health. However, they require immediate treatment to ensure they do not worsen and affect the tooth roots in the mouth. Veneers can do just this. The first step is to have a general dentist evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if veneers are the right solution. If the answer is yes, a cosmetic dentist can grind down the enamel to smooth cracks or chips in the surfaces of the teeth. Finally, they will place the veneers to create that picture-perfect smile.

Improve confidence for up to 20 years

Veneers are designed to last. Therefore, patients can enjoy the confidence they bring for many years. A couple of 2018 studies published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences found that traditional porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. To get the most out of one's veneers, visit the general dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

When to see a cosmetic dentist about veneers

Since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, it is generally never too early or late to consult a cosmetic dentist. That is, unless the teeth are chipped or cracked. In these cases, it is best to ask a general dentist promptly to prevent further damage to the smile. Often, general dentists provide both cosmetic and restorative dental services. Patients can also ask about veneers during their six-month dental checkup.