It’s another beautiful day in Los Angeles, CA and everyone is clustered together for a group selfie. As usual, you’re the only one who isn’t smiling, the one who looks hostile and sad. It’s not that you’re in a bad mood, aside from the twinge of unhappiness that photos always bring. You just don’t want everyone to see your teeth. If we just described you, don’t worry. You’re not alone; cosmetic dental issues are a common concern. More importantly, they can be corrected, often with a single procedure – porcelain veneers.
What porcelain veneers can correct
Veneers are the ideal solution for a wide variety of cosmetic dental concerns. They are extremely thin, so preparation is completed with minimal alteration to underlying teeth. Despite their conservative nature, veneers can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your smile because they completely cover the visible part of treated teeth.
Here at Downtown Dental, we often place veneers to correct cosmetic concerns such as:
- Spacing – Wide gaps between teeth can make your smile appear unhealthy. To close gaps, veneers are designed a tiny bit wider than your natural teeth. The result is a natural looking, full, beautiful smile.
- Angle – Veneers are not an alternative to orthodontics for functional correction, because they do not actually straighten teeth. However, mildly crooked teeth might not pose a health concern. Often, patients only want cosmetic correction, in which case veneers may be used to give the appearance of straight, perfectly aligned teeth.
- Size – For the greatest aesthetic impact, teeth should be proportionate to the size of your mouth, and to other facial features. If they are unusually small, they can be corrected with slightly larger veneers. For teeth that are too big, enamel contouring in combination with veneers can improve their appearance.
- Shape – A beautiful smile is composed of many, individually beautiful teeth. When one or several are misshapen, it can ruin the entire appearance of your smile. Additionally, the shape of teeth impacts your overall appearance. For example, delicately rounded teeth give a softer appearance, while flatter tips on teeth create a bolder look.
- Color – Teeth whitening treatment is the go-to solution for most stains and discoloration, but some instances are beyond its capacity. Intrinsic stains are internal, usually inclusions of dark material within the enamel. Additionally, some discoloration is the result of extremely thin enamel, which allows the darker dentin to show through. In some cases, people simply have a darker natural enamel color than they desire. Veneers are an excellent choice in any of these situations. They can be color-matched to your natural teeth for covering stains and blemishes on select teeth. Alternately, if all visible teeth are treated you can choose your ideal smile color.
- Damage – Generally, veneers are not considered restorative. Because they are so thin, they are not appropriate for treating cavities or badly broken teeth. However, veneers can be used to correct minor chips or fractures in tooth enamel. In this case, they correct the appearance of your smile as well as sealing the damaged area to prevent decay or further breakage.
Are veneers right for you?
Because the procedure is conservative and gentle on teeth, most people with good oral health are potential candidates for veneers. However, that does not mean that they are the best option for every patient. Depending on the condition of your teeth and your aesthetic preferences, there may be a better choice. In many cases, there are several good options to choose from. For example, a patient with crooked teeth may opt for orthodontic straightening rather than covering them with veneers, or someone with a single minor blemish might prefer one-day treatment with dental bonding.
When you visit us for a consultation, we will begin with a comprehensive evaluation and a discussion to learn about your goals. Then we will discuss all viable options, explain the pros and cons, and answer your questions so that you can make a well-informed decision.
The best way to explore your smile makeover options is to come and see Dr. Mungcal and our associate doctors for a consultation. Just tell us what you like and dislike about your smile, what you want to achieve, and prepare to be dazzled by the results. Give us a call at 213-863-9464 and schedule an appointment to get started.
