Dental Veneers in Las Vegas
Your smile is one of the first things that other people see, so having a nice one is crucial. Unfortunately, as many as three in five Americans are not happy with their smiles. If you feel self-conscious about your smile or would like to make a great smile even brighter, you should know about dental veneers. At Vegas Dental Experts, we offer veneers to help you get the beautiful teeth you have always wanted.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are materials that fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are usually thin, shell-like coverings that address certain cosmetic and dental health concerns, such as:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Gaps between teeth
There are a few different types of dental veneers. The most common option is porcelain veneers, but there are also composite resin veneers. There are also no-prep options that require a different application process.
For most dental veneers, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth so that the veneer can fit correctly over the surface.
Porcelain veneers can require some grinding of the tooth before we make an impression of it to create the necessary mold. These veneers tend to be a bit more expensive than other options, but they also last longer and do not stain as easily.
For composite resin veneers, we etch the surface of your tooth and then apply a layer of composite material over it. Composite resin veneers do not require the removal of much of the tooth’s surface. They are less expensive than porcelain veneers.
No-prep veneers take less time to prepare and do not require removing much of the enamel.
It can be tough to decide on the right kind of veneer, but we will explain your options in depth during your free consultation. The best candidates for dental veneers are people who have realistic expectations and who do not have gum disease or other oral health issues.
Dental Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
Dental veneers cover only the surface of your tooth, while dental crowns cover the entire tooth. Dental crowns provide protection and support to the tooth, while veneers are generally cosmetic treatments.
If you are not sure which option is right for you, ask Dr. Chin during your consultation.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers feel and look natural. This is especially true of porcelain veneers, which we can customize to look just like the rest of your teeth. You do not have to worry about discomfort, either, since the mold that creates the veneers is precisely crafted to fit your teeth.
Many patients choose dental veneers to cover up cosmetic issues. If you have chips, cracks, or discoloration, you can quickly get more appealing teeth with veneers. Even if you have gaps between your teeth that you would like to fix, dental veneers can be the solution.
Enamel is an important part of your tooth because it protects it from bacteria and decay. Once the enamel wears away from your teeth, it does not return. However, dental veneers require that we remove only a small amount of the enamel from the tooth.
Veneers can also help prevent tooth discoloration. Your natural tooth is safe under the veneer because its surface will not come into contact with food and drink.
Dental veneers can also last a long time. If you take care of them, you can expect them to look great for up to ten years. They are also low-maintenance. You don’t have to worry about a long list of eating and drinking restrictions.
The Porcelain Veneers Process
If you’re interested in dental veneers, call us to schedule a free consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Harvey Chin will take a look at the teeth in question to determine whether veneers are a good option. If there is tooth damage, he may recommend dental crowns or another procedure instead of veneers.
During this initial phase, we can also let you know about the many payment options we offer.
If you are a good candidate for veneers, Dr. Chin will then help you decide on the type of veneers you want. Your decision might depend on the look you want to achieve and on your budget. Keep in mind that while porcelain veneers are more costly, they also last longer than other veneers.
If you have crooked teeth, it may be necessary to turn to braces or clear aligners before you are able to receive the veneers.
Before your procedure, we will take X-rays and look for signs of gum disease or tooth decay. If you are a good candidate for veneers, we can then schedule your appointment.
During this next appointment, Dr. Chin will trim down the teeth that will receive the veneers. The degree of trimming will depend on the kind of dental veneers you will receive.
Dr. Chin will then make an impression of the teeth to send to the lab that will create the veneers. It usually takes about two weeks to get the veneers from the lab. To protect your teeth while you wait, we will provide temporary veneers.
The next appointment will be the placing of the veneers. Dr. Chin will clean your teeth thoroughly and ensure that the veneers fit correctly and that they are the right color and shape. Using a special cement, he will then attach the veneer to your tooth. Ultraviolet light then hardens the cement quickly.
There is no downtime with this procedure. After the anesthetics wear off, you can eat and drink as you normally would.
Some patients find that their new veneers feel a little rough, but that will resolve after a few days of brushing and eating normally.
Maintaining Dental Veneers
To maximize how long the veneers last, you should take some measures to keep them looking and feeling their best.
It is important to avoid chewing on hard things, like your fingernails, ice chips, or hard candy. Porcelain veneers can chip when you put pressure on them. Remember also to avoid using your teeth when opening a package.
It is also a good idea to avoid chewing with your front teeth. Use your back teeth for this to avoid chipping or otherwise damaging the veneers.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you will need to wear a mouth guard to protect the veneers.
Make sure to also brush your teeth at least twice a day and continue flossing as you normally would. You can also avoid staining the veneers by limiting your intake of coffee, wine, and soda.
We are always ready to answer any questions you have about how to maintain your dental veneers.
Trust Vegas Dental Experts
If you have chipped, broken, or discolored teeth and want a cosmetic treatment with results that last for years, dental veneers can be the solution. At Vegas Dental Experts in Las Vegas, NV, we provide customized dental veneers so that you can get your teeth looking their best.
Dr. Harvey Chin is an expert in veneers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, offering more than 40 years of experience as well as the latest techniques and state-of-the-art facilities. You are in good hands with him and our entire team.
Learn more about dental veneers by contacting Vegas Dental Experts today to schedule your free consultation.