Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, customized shells made from porcelain or resin that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, and/or alignment.

At Todd D. Wortman, DDS, we use high-quality materials to create natural-looking veneers tailored specifically for each patient's smile. Our experienced team ensures that your new veneers not only enhance your smile but also maintain the health and function of your teeth.

• Hide discoloration: Veneers can cover deep stains or discoloration that may not respond to teeth whitening treatments.

• Correct misalignment: Although they are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, veneers can slightly rotate or shift the appearance of your teeth to create a straighter smile.

• Reshape teeth: Veneers can be used to lengthen or reshape teeth that have been worn down, chipped, or appear too small.

• Close gaps: By slightly widening or reshaping the sides of the veneer, we can close small gaps between your teeth for a more uniform appearance.

By combining these benefits, dental veneers can help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile at Todd D. Wortman, DDS.

At Todd D. Wortman, DDS, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, personalized care. Some advantages of choosing us for your veneers include:

• Experienced team: Our skilled dentists and lab technicians have years of experience creating natural-looking, long-lasting veneers.

• Advanced technology: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precise measurements and a comfortable fitting process.

• Customized treatment plans: Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.

• Natural-looking results: Our team works diligently to match the color, shape, and size of your new veneers to your natural teeth for seamless, beautiful results.

Dental veneers may be an excellent option if you have one or more of the following concerns:

• Teeth that are slightly crooked, rotated, or misaligned

• Small gaps between teeth

• Chipped, worn, or uneven teeth

• Discoloration or staining that does not respond to whitening treatments

• A desire for a more uniform, confident smile

However, dental veneers are not suitable for everyone. Our team will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals before recommending veneers as the best solution for you.

The longevity of dental veneers can vary depending on how well they are maintained and the quality of the materials used. With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 20 years, while resin veneers may last around 7 to 15 years.

At Todd D. Wortman, DDS, we use high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship to ensure your veneers last as long as possible. To prolong the lifespan of your veneers:

• Avoid biting into hard objects or using your teeth as tools

• Practice good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing

• Regularly attend professional dental cleanings and exams at our office

The process of placing dental veneers typically involves three steps:

1. Consultation and planning: Our dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. We may also take impressions, photos, and X-rays to send to our lab for custom veneer fabrication.

2. Preparation: Before bonding the veneers, we'll lightly buff the surface of your teeth to make room for the added thickness of the veneer. A local anesthetic is usually administered during this step. We will also take a final impression and choose the appropriate shade for your new smile.

3. Bonding: During your next appointment, our dentist will carefully place each veneer onto your tooth one at a time, checking the fit and alignment before permanently bonding them into place using a special cement. A curing light is used to activate the adhesive, securing the veneers to your teeth.

The entire process usually takes between two to three visits, depending on your individual needs.

Dental veneers are typically designed to last for many years, but they can potentially be removed if necessary. However, removing veneers is usually not recommended, as it may cause irreversible damage to the underlying tooth structure.

In some cases, a dentist might need to remove a veneer if:

• The veneer becomes loose or falls off

• A patient experiences severe pain or discomfort around the veneered tooth

• A tooth with a veneer requires root canal treatment or other extensive dental work that may be compromised by the presence of the veneer

If you have concerns about your dental veneers, it's essential to consult our team at Todd D. Wortman, DDS for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

While dental veneers are an excellent option for many people seeking a cosmetic dentistry solution, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Some alternatives to consider include:

• Teeth whitening: If your primary concern is discoloration, professional teeth whitening may be sufficient to achieve a brighter smile.

• Dental bonding: This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin material directly to the tooth surface and curing it with a special light. Dental bonding can address minor chips, cracks, or gaps, but may not last as long as veneers.

• Orthodontic treatment: For more severe misalignment issues, orthodontics (such as braces or clear aligners) might be a better solution to achieve a straighter smile.

• Dental crowns: Crowns provide more coverage than veneers and can be an option if your tooth requires significant restoration. However, they are typically used for functional purposes rather than solely cosmetic ones.

Once your dental veneers have been placed and bonded to your teeth, you can generally resume eating as usual. However, it's essential to keep a few things in mind:

• Avoid biting into hard objects or foods (such as nuts, popcorn kernels, or ice) that could potentially chip or crack the veneer.

• Be cautious with sticky or chewy foods (like caramel or gum) that might pull off the veneer if not completely bonded.

• Practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly, to maintain the health of your natural teeth and veneers.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the longevity and success of your dental veneers at Todd D. Wortman, DDS.

Caring for your dental veneers involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits and being mindful of what you eat. Here are some tips to help you keep your veneers looking their best:

• Brush and floss regularly: Maintain a daily brushing and flossing routine using non-abrasive toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris.

• Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages: Limit your intake of staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods to prevent discoloration of your veneers. If you do consume these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth.

• Wear a nightguard if necessary: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider using a custom-made nightguard to protect your veneers from excessive wear and potential damage.

• Attend regular dental checkups: Schedule professional cleanings and exams with our team at Todd D. Wortman, DDS every six months to monitor the health of your natural teeth and veneers. We can also provide personalized advice on caring for your smile.