Veneers

If you want a pearly white and more symmetrical smile, veneers may be an ideal option. At Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California, the team of cosmetic dentists regularly uses veneers to cover minor oral imperfections. The thin porcelain shells mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your tooth enamel, so they blend in naturally with your smile. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about veneers.  

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that the Select Dental & Orthodontics team bonds to the front of your permanent teeth. Veneers balance your smile and mask cosmetic imperfections that don’t improve with other types of treatment (such as teeth whitening).

If you break or chip a permanent tooth, you might only need one veneer. However, for optimal results, the team at Select Dental & Orthodontics typically recommends getting at least six.

What types of cosmetic issues can veneers fix?

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, the team uses veneers to correct various cosmetic issues, including:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Severe discoloration
• Pointy or unusually-shaped teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth

You might also be a candidate for veneers if you have visible spaces between two or more of your teeth.

Who is a candidate for veneers?

After an oral exam, the team can determine if you’re a candidate for veneers. If you have a misaligned jaw or a bite abnormality, they prescribe orthodontic treatment first. Orthodontics uses metal braces or removable oral aligners (such as Invisalign®) to improve the alignment of your teeth or jaw.

What does getting veneers involve?

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, getting veneers takes two visits spaced several weeks apart.

The team reviews your dental records, completes an oral exam, and takes a series of digital X-rays. You’re an ideal candidate for treatment if you have straight teeth and want to improve the appearance of your smile.

After administering a local anesthetic, the team removes a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that will be getting a veneer. Then, they take impressions of your prepared teeth and send them to a dental lab. Before you leave the office, the team bonds temporary veneers to your teeth so you can bite and chew.

The dental lab uses your impressions to create a custom set of veneers. You return to Select Dental & Orthodontics when the veneers are ready. The team removes your temporary veneers and replaces them with the permanent ones. Then, they check your bite, polish your teeth, and provide care instructions.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last between 12-15 years* on average, but they can last longer if you practice good oral hygiene. The team at Select Dental & Orthodontics recommends flossing regularly, brushing your teeth twice daily, and avoiding bad habits like chewing on ice or opening packaging with your teeth. If you grind your teeth or play sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Call Select Dental & Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about veneers.

*Individual results may vary