Problems Veneers Can Fix
Stubborn Discoloration
Some stains penetrate too deeply for whitening treatments to remove. Tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, excessive fluoride exposure, or natural aging can cause discoloration that resists bleaching. Veneers cover these stains completely with a bright, uniform shade you choose.
Chips and Cracks
Minor damage to front teeth creates an uneven appearance that draws attention when you speak or smile. Rather than building up each imperfection with bonding material that might not match perfectly, veneers create a smooth, flawless surface across all your visible teeth.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaces between your front teeth can be widened by gum disease, natural growth patterns, or habits like thumb-sucking. Dental veneers in Yuma close these gaps without orthodontic treatment, giving you immediate results.
Misshapen or Undersized Teeth
Some people naturally have teeth that appear too small, pointed, or irregularly shaped. Veneers reshape these teeth to create better proportions and a more balanced smile.
The Veneer Process
Your treatment starts with a consultation where we discuss what you’d like to change about your smile. Dr. Ryan Kent will examine your teeth and bite to make sure veneers are appropriate for your situation. Not everyone qualifies as a good candidate—severe misalignment or grinding habits might require alternative treatments.
During the preparation appointment, we remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth receiving a veneer. This removal, typically less than a millimeter, creates space for the porcelain without making your teeth look bulky or unnatural. We take detailed impressions and help you select a shade that looks natural with your skin tone and facial features.
You’ll wear temporary veneers while the lab crafts your permanent ones over the next two weeks. These temporaries protect your prepared teeth and give you a preview of your new appearance, though they won’t look as polished as the finals.
At your final appointment, we check the fit, shape, and color of your veneers before permanently bonding them to your teeth. This bonding process uses special cement and light activation to create a strong connection that holds up to normal chewing forces.
Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer superior stain resistance and a more lifelike translucency that mimics natural tooth enamel. They typically last 10-15 years before needing replacement and maintain their appearance throughout that time. The custom fabrication process allows for precise color matching and detailed characterization.
Composite veneers cost less and require only one appointment since we sculpt them directly onto your teeth. However, they stain more easily than porcelain and may need touch-ups or replacement sooner. The resin material doesn’t reflect light quite as naturally as porcelain, though skilled application can still produce attractive results.
Caring for Your Veneers
Brush and floss daily just as you would with natural teeth. While the porcelain itself won’t decay, your natural tooth structure underneath the veneer remains vulnerable to cavities. Plaque buildup along the gum line can cause gum disease that affects both veneered and natural teeth.
Avoid biting directly into extremely hard foods like ice, hard candy, or bone. Porcelain is strong but can chip under excessive force. Use your back teeth for biting into apples or corn on the cob rather than your front veneers.
If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect your investment. Grinding creates forces that can crack or dislodge veneers over time. A custom guard cushions these forces and extends the life of your restorations.
Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your veneers and the surrounding gum tissue. We’ll polish them during cleanings and check for any signs of loosening or damage that need attention.
Creating Your Dream Results
The shade and shape you choose for your veneers dramatically affect your final appearance. We’ll guide you through options that look natural rather than overly bright or artificial. Factors like your age, skin tone, and facial shape all influence which choices look most authentic.
Most patients choose veneers for their front six or eight teeth since these show most prominently when smiling. Treating this zone creates a cohesive, balanced appearance without the expense of veneering teeth that rarely show.
See What Dental Veneers in Yuma Can Do for You
Dental veneers provide a versatile solution for multiple cosmetic concerns that affect your confidence. Contact Avenue B Dentistry to schedule a consultation and discover whether veneers match your goals. We’ll show you examples of previous cases, discuss realistic expectations, and create a treatment plan designed around the results you want to achieve.