Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, serving as a transformative solution for various cosmetic issues. They are used to address concerns such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment, effectively enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

Made from either high-quality porcelain or composite resin, veneers are crafted to match your teeth's natural color, shape, and contour, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. The application process involves minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure, as a thin enamel layer is gently removed to ensure a proper fit for the veneers. Once bonded to the teeth with a strong dental adhesive, veneers serve as a durable and stain-resistant solution that can significantly improve the look of your smile with minimal disruption and downtime.

What Conditions Can Dental Veneers Treat? 

• Veneers in Santa Clara, CA, can effectively cover teeth that are discolored or stained and resistant to whitening treatments. They provide a bright, uniform appearance that can transform a dull or uneven smile. 

• Veneers can repair and conceal chips or cracks, restoring the tooth’s appearance and functionality. This often avoids the need for more extensive treatments such as crowns or extractions.

• For individuals with noticeable gaps or spaces between their teeth, veneers can serve as a solution by filling in the gaps and creating a more uniform and cohesive smile.  

• Veneers can correct misshapen or uneven teeth, providing a more symmetrical and balanced appearance. They can also enhance the shape and size of teeth to achieve a harmonious smile. 

• While not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, veneers can improve the appearance of slightly crooked or misaligned teeth. They can create a straighter look without the need for braces or aligners.  

• Teeth worn down by grinding, acid erosion, or other factors can be restored to their original size and shape with veneers. This not only improves the smile but also helps restore proper function. 

• Veneers can enhance the size and proportion of small or undersized teeth, making them look more aligned with the rest of the smile. Contact us today to learn more.

The Process of Getting Dental Veneers 

The journey to obtaining dental veneers begins with an initial consultation with our family dentist in Santa Clara, CA. During this visit, our dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. This assessment typically includes a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and discussions about your cosmetic goals and expectations. Our dentist will also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to help analyze their structure and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This is the stage where our dentist will explain veneers' benefits, limitations, and care requirements, ensuring that you make an informed decision. 

Once you and our dentist decide to proceed with veneers, the next step involves creating a detailed treatment plan. Our dentist will use the impressions or digital scans taken during the consultation to design your veneers. This design process often involves using advanced CAD software, which enables our dentist to create a precise and customized model of your veneers. The design process ensures that the veneers will match your natural teeth's size, shape, and color, achieving a seamless and natural appearance.  

Before applying the veneers, a small amount of enamel must be removed from the front surface of the teeth. This preparation is necessary to ensure the veneers adhere properly and fit comfortably without adding excessive bulk to your teeth. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, preserving most of your natural tooth structure. After preparing the teeth, our dentist will take new impressions or digital scans to ensure that the veneers are fabricated to fit perfectly. 

The impressions or digital scans are sent to a dental laboratory or in-office milling machine, where the veneers are crafted. If using a laboratory, this process may take a few weeks, during which you may be fitted with temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. For same-day veneer systems, such as CEREC, the veneers can be created and placed in a single visit. The veneers are made from high-quality porcelain or composite resin, designed to match your teeth's natural color and contours.  

Once the veneers are ready, our dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment for fitting and bonding. Our dentist will carefully place the veneers on your teeth during this visit to check for proper fit and alignment. Adjustments may be made to ensure the veneers are comfortable and function correctly. Once the fit is confirmed, our dentist will clean and prepare the teeth with a special adhesive and apply the veneers. A curing light hardens the adhesive, securely bonding the veneers to your teeth. The dentist will polish the veneers to achieve a smooth and natural finish. 

After the veneers are placed, our dentist will provide instructions on how to care for them. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, are essential to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. It would also help to avoid habits that could damage the veneers, such as chewing on hard objects or grinding your teeth. Regular dental checkups will help ensure that the veneers remain in good condition and that your oral health is maintained. 

A follow-up appointment may be scheduled shortly after the veneers are placed to check their fit and address concerns. Ongoing maintenance involves regular dental visits to monitor the condition of the veneers and ensure that your oral health is in optimal condition. Our dentist will also provide tips for keeping your veneers looking their best, including tips for preventing staining and ensuring longevity. 

Dental veneers can be a transformative solution for enhancing the appearance of your smile with precision and natural beauty. Visit Crestview Family Dental at 265 Crestview Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050, or call (408) 217-0727 7 to schedule your consultation and learn how dental veneers can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.