Veneers

If you have stained or unusually shaped teeth, veneers can cover them up and restore balance to your smile. At Chesterfield Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Melba Akinwande, DDS, and the team use veneers to address various cosmetic problems, including crooked, pointy, and smaller-than-average teeth. To make an appointment, call the office in Chesterfield, Missouri, or book online today.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin pieces of composite resin bonded to the front of your permanent teeth. They’re made from material that looks and feels like your natural tooth enamel. Consequently, they mimic the light-reflecting properties of your permanent teeth and blend in with the rest of your smile.

After the bonding material on your veneers dries, you can immediately return to normal activities, like biting and chewing.

What types of cosmetic problems can veneers treat?

At Chesterfield Dentistry, the team uses veneers to correct various cosmetic problems, including:

• Broken and chipped teeth
• Severe discoloration
• Gaps between teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Pointy teeth
• Unusually shaped teeth

Veneers are made from tough materials, like composite resin, so you can continue eating your favorite snacks and meals.

What does getting veneers involve?

At Chesterfield Dentistry, getting veneers takes two visits.

First veneers visit

Your provider reviews your dental records, conducts an oral exam, and takes a series of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans (a particular type of X-ray). If you have healthy teeth and gums, you qualify for treatment.

Your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth to receive the veneers. They remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth and then take impressions.

Then, your Chesterfield Dentistry provider sends the impressions to a nearby dental lab. Technicians at the lab use the impressions to manufacture a set of veneers that fit you perfectly.

Second veneers visit

When the dental lab finishes your veneers, you return to Chesterfield Dentistry. Your provider numbs your mouth and bonds the veneers to the front of your permanent teeth. They trim away any excess material, polish your veneers, and explain how to care for them.

Do veneers last forever?

Veneers don’t last forever, but they often last 12-15 years* and sometimes longer if you take good care of them. To keep your veneers in optimal condition, the team at Chesterfield Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

It’s also important to avoid bad habits. Chesterfield Dentistry recommends not biting your fingernails and wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports.

If you’re considering veneers, make an appointment at Chesterfield Dentistry by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

*Individual results may vary.