Ways That Veneers Can Be Used
A dental veneer is one of the most versatile dental applications. The device, which is actually a thin tooth covering that is made of porcelain or resin, can be used to hide a wide variety of dental imperfections.
Each veneer is designed specifically for the individual patient. The device is fabricated using an impression of the patient's mouth as a guide.
Once the veneer is ready to be applied, a small amount of enamel is removed from the face of the tooth that will be covered by the veneer. The removal of tooth material helps to ensure that the device fits flush against the tooth without compromising the natural bite line.
Here are a few ways that veneer applications can be used.
A Broken Tooth
Teeth can break when exposed to a traumatic force, such as a blow to the mouth or excessive bite force. Regardless of the reason for the break in a tooth, if the broken area does not breach the innermost layer of the tooth, which is called the pulp, the tooth can likely be treated with a dental veneer,
The veneer can cover the broken area, reinforcing the tooth structure and making it look more uniform. Since a dental veneer can be colored to match the natural hues of the teeth, the restored tooth is likely to look completely natural in the mouth.
A Small Tooth
Some teeth are so small that they appear peg-like. The size of one tooth may not fit well with the sizes of the other teeth in the mouth or with the overall structure of the patient's face.
A veneer can be used to increase the size of the tooth. The veneer can be larger than the underlying tooth, adding to the width, length, or both dimensions of the tooth.
Additionally, a larger tooth can help reduce the size of large gaps between the teeth. The reduction of unusually large interdental spaces can help the patient's smile appear more uniform and attractive.
A Minor Misalignment
The actual movement of misaligned teeth is performed using orthodontic applications. However, minor misalignments can be concealed with dental veneers. The veneers can be applied in a straight, balanced configuration to make the teeth look perfectly aligned.
Permanent Discoloration
Teeth that are permanently discolored due to trauma or a congenital condition can be covered by white veneers. The discoloration is hidden by the white coloring of the veneers.
To learn more about dental veneers, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.