Veneers

Veneers in Denver CO

If you are interested in improving the look of your smile with veneers, Dr. Patterson can help. We offer natural-looking, attractive veneers that can improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, misaligned, or uneven. With our expertise and variety of veneer options, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you’re looking for veneers, we offer some of the best cosmetic dentistry and veneers in Denver, CO.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells designed specifically to fit over teeth that are chipped, worn, or subject to other aesthetic defects. The most popular material for constructing veneers is porcelain, though composite resin is also used. When veneers are applied to the teeth, Dr. Patterson first removes a small amount of enamel from your existing teeth. Once the enamel has been shaved down, a precise impression is taken. This is used to create customized veneers that fit perfectly into your mouth. Once the veneers have been created, a specially-designed dental cement is used to adhere the veneers to your existing teeth.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

If you have an aesthetic teeth abnormality that you are looking to correct, veneers may represent an excellent solution for you. The primary reasons patients choose veneers include crowding, bite-related issues, decayed teeth, gapped teeth, abnormally-shaped teeth, chipped teeth, and discolored teeth. Veneers are a simple and effective way to enhance a smile that cannot be corrected with whitening procedures, braces, or other cosmetic dentistry options.

What Are My Options?

When considering veneers, it is important to discuss your options with Dr. Kendra L Patterson DMD. She can help you to better understand what veneers can do for you. She’ll review with you the issue(s) you want corrected—and what you want your new smile to look like. She’ll also go over aesthetic issues that veneers can and cannot correct. Through discussion of your expectations in light of the corrective possibilities offered by veneers, your voice becomes central to the design process. If you want a brighter smile, but are unsure veneers are right for you, teeth whitening may be another option to consider.

What Are the Advantages of Veneers?

Veneers represent one of the best ways currently available to achieve a flawless smile. When Dr. Patterson removes enamel from the teeth as a precursor to applying the veneers, very little of the inherent tooth structure is lost: approximately one millimeter of enamel may be removed from the tooth’s surface. As a result, veneers have little impact upon the structural integrity of the teeth, and function as a long-lasting solution to aesthetic dental issues.

Veneers are also resistant to staining. Foods and beverages that lead to discoloration of natural teeth, such as coffee and tea, will have less of an effect on veneers. The color of veneers cannot be altered, however, once they are applied—so choose the shade of your new smile wisely.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

When veneers are applied to the teeth, the process is essentially irreversible, if enamel must be removed. While veneers are made to be durable, they can be damaged, just like regular teeth. People who choose to get veneers are advised to avoid certain habits (such as chewing ice) that can lead to unwanted damage. Teeth-grinding can also have a deleterious effect on veneers.

How Do I Care for My New Veneers?

While veneers are strong and highly resistant to staining, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your daily oral-hygiene regimen. You will need to brush at least twice daily with a nonabrasive toothpaste. You should also expect to have regular professional cleaning appointments. Visits to the dentist are the best way to keep your veneers in top shape.

How Long Do They Last?

When well cared for, veneers tend to last many years. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding habits that could crack or chip the teeth are the best ways to ensure the longevity of your veneers. After about a decade of use, veneers will usually need to be repaired or replaced. Learn more about our dry mouth treatment.