Porcelain veneers transform everything from crooked teeth to chips in your smile, naturally and with ease!

Veneers at the office of New Leaf Dental are designed to improve the appearance of many different conditions. These conditions include teeth that are crooked or otherwise unevenly spaced. Since they do not reposition the teeth, veneers are not appropriate for cases of misalignment or bite problems that require orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, our dentists are skilled and experienced in providing a range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic procedures. There is certain to be a way to achieve a more symmetrical, uniform-looking smile from our practice in Meridian, Idaho.

Brush up on porcelain veneers 

Veneers are thin layers of dental material. They are designed to replicate the structure of the natural tooth enamel. Our dentists may recommend them if you develop:  

• Chips
• Slight cracks
• Gaps between teeth 
• Wear and tear, which makes a tooth look overly short or irregularly-shaped
• Stubborn stains or intrinsic (internal) tooth discoloration  

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. Once they are made, the veneer is placed on the tooth to be treated. It is then bonded or fixed securely to the front surfaces of the natural tooth. In this way, the veneer covers up or disguises damaged enamel, excess spaces between teeth, or other cosmetic imperfections.

Direct veneers are primarily made from composite resin. Indirect veneers are generally made from a type of dental ceramic: porcelain. The latter material is lauded for its ability to recreate the natural tooth enamel’s appearance perfectly.

The all-important consultation

Our dentists can’t arrive at the best treatment option for you until they have evaluated your teeth and gums and discussed your concerns and preferences. Some conditions, such as cavities, can present as stains or black or brown pitted areas. So, what was originally a cosmetic concern may be a symptom of dental disease. In cases where tooth decay or periodontal disease is present, we will recommend restorative therapies. These may include attractive tooth-colored fillings or periodontal treatments to build up the supportive gummy tissues.

Since veneers are designed to cover up many imperfections, rather than to repair or correct these conditions, we may find that alternative treatments such as Invisalign® are best-suited to your needs. Invisalign®, for instance, presents a discreet way to straighten crooked or crowded teeth with a series of transparent aligners instead of with metal braces.

If we determine that porcelain veneers are appropriate for you, the process generally starts by preparing the teeth to accept the veneers. That involves removing a small amount of enamel. Each veneer then fits on top of the slightly reduced tooth. We also make impressions or models of the prepared teeth, used to precisely fabricate each veneer from quality dental porcelain.

Call (208) 896-2284 to schedule your consultation. We can also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of veneers (composite and porcelain) during your appointment.