Your smile is a powerful tool, capable of brightening your own day and lighting up the world around you. It’s often the first thing people notice when they meet you, leaving a lasting impression. However, for many, achieving the perfect smile can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where porcelain veneers from our Ada, MI, cosmetic dentists come into play. Learn more about the benefits of veneers and whether this transformative solution is really for you below.

Start By Envisioning What You’d Like Changed

When you look in the mirror and smile, what do you wish you could change about your teeth? Generally, many people want a whiter smile, less gaps between teeth, and chips or cracks gone. Asking yourself what you would like to see before treatment is important and can help our dentists provide the most targeted solution. If your desires align with what veneers can do, we can perform a quick oral exam just to make sure no other procedures are needed prior to placement. It is important to remember that receiving veneers will permanently alter your natural tooth enamel which can’t be reversed. For this reason, we want you to be sure of your decision. Still want certain imperfections dealt with but aren’t ready for veneers after all? Our dentists can speak with you about dental bonding. This procedure involves tooth-colored composite resin material being applied and cured/hardened on teeth to help enhance those that are chipped, cracked, or misshapen.

Assessing If Veneers Are Right for You

Patients interested in the veneers procedure are eligible as long as their smile is healthy and in good condition from the start. Veneers are best placed when there are no underlying oral health issues such as gum disease, missing teeth, tooth infection, or cavities. Interested patients should also have strong enamel to begin with and not actively grind their teeth. Our dentists will not place a veneer over compromised enamel as it does not fix the structural issue at hand and will only worsen over time. If your enamel needs special care, we can discuss other restorative options aside from dental veneers. Now, it is still possible to place veneers after certain conditions are treated and resolved. For instance, if you have an infection or a cavity but you want veneers, our dentists can fill the cavity or help clear up the infection first and return your smile to a healthier state.

Keep These Benefits in Mind

When it comes to veneers, there are several appealing benefits. For one, they can dramatically improve your smile and boost your confidence around family, friends, and co-workers. That means not hiding your smile and feeling shy when the camera is turned on you.

In addition, porcelain veneers also:

• Are resistant to food and beverage stains
• Give a natural tooth look
• Fix chipped, cracked, gapped, or irregularly shaped teeth
• Involve less filing and shaping compared to dental crowns
• Whiten your smile if a lighter shade is chosen
• Provide long-lasting wear if cared for properly

An Overview of the Veneers Procedure

You can expect the placement of veneers to take a few visits to our Ada, MI, dental office. At your first appointment, our dentists will prepare your teeth for the procedure and take digital impressions that will be sent to a dental lab for fabrication. Don’t worry, your smile won’t be left in a vulnerable state at this time. While you wait for your permanent veneers to be made, we will place temporary coverings on your teeth. After about 2-3 weeks, the veneers will return from the dental lab and we’ll ask for you to come back into the office. We’ll remove the temporary coverings, make any other necessary preparations, and permanently cement each veneer to your teeth.

Make an Appointment

If you would like to learn more about veneers and how they can build upon what you currently have, our cosmetic dentists in Ada, MI, invite you to come talk to us! Call Norman Family Dentistry today at (616) 676-9177 to request an appointment.