Natural Smiles • Sep 26, 2017
Are you embarrassed to show off your teeth? Do you smile with your lips closed, or have a habit of hiding your mouth behind your hand? Having a less-than-gorgeous grin can take a real toll on your self-esteem, your social life, and even your professional success.
Of all the cosmetic dental procedures now available, veneers are perhaps the most transformative in the shortest amount of time. They fix multiple problems all at once, and don’t require waiting months and even years for your teeth to shift. And they are durable, designed to last decades.
To book a consultation at Natural Smiles of Louisville, KY and learn more about how you can get a showstopping new smile with veneers, call (502) 414-0146.
Stained Teeth
Over time, our teeth become become dingy and discolored. Sometimes it’s due to smoking, or years of drinking dark beverages like coffee and tea. Sometimes, it’s just part of getting older.
When just the outer layer of the tooth — the enamel — is affected, the staining is called extrinsic. When the inside part of the tooth, or the dentin, begins to discolor, the staining is called intrinsic. Intrinsic staining can be caused by a number of factors: trauma, medications, even exposure to excessive fluoride. The dentin also tends to darken naturally over the years (plus, the tooth enamel thins over time, so the discoloration shows right through it).
Intrinsic stains are much more difficult to remove than extrinsic stains. Standard whitening products and procedures may take more time to be effective, or just not work at all. Veneers, however, will give you the brilliant white smile you seek.
Worn-Down Teeth
Some amount of wear on our teeth is inevitable as we age. After all, we use them daily to chew and expose them to acidic foods and beverages. If you grind your teeth, you may end up wearing them down severely over a much shorter period of time.
There are three major types of tooth wear. Attrition is caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding. Abrasion is caused by external forces on the teeth: for example, using a toothbrush that is too hard or brushing too vigorously. Erosion is the wearing away of the enamel by acidic foods and drinks or stomach acid (from acid reflux, for example).
Worn-down teeth can look stunted, uneven, and just plain unattractive. Dental veneers make them look pristine once again.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Chipped teeth and broken teeth put a real dent in your smile. Severe breaks and chips may require a root canal, crown, or even an extraction. If you have a small chip but no other issues with your teeth, dental bonding may be all you need. But, if you want a longer-lasting solution, or have other cosmetic problems you’d like to correct at the same time, dental veneers may be the right choice for you.
Misaligned Teeth
Are you unhappily living with crooked or misaligned teeth because you just don’t want to deal with having braces on your teeth, or having to wear aligners 22 hours a day? We have good news for you. While severe orthodontic problems generally require braces or other solutions, veneers may be an excellent choice for your minor crowding and alignment issues. They can also cover up a crooked tooth. No going around with a mouth full of metal, no waiting years for your teeth to be fixed. Veneers can also make teeth that have unappealing gaps appear perfectly spaced.
The Process
It can be nerve-wracking to commit to a brand-new smile, even if you know it will improve your appearance. At Natural Smiles, we can provide you with a set of trial veneers that will last about a day. Your trial veneers will give you the chance to see how you will look once your permanent veneers are placed, and give you time to practice your new big smile!
Dr. Gill will take precise measurements of your mouth and teeth. Your veneers will be custom-made at a lab to match your smile and tooth color. Once your veneers are back in the office, Dr. Gill will remove a small layer of enamel from your teeth. The veneers will then be bonded to your teeth. The process is painless and truly transformative. Your veneers will look totally natural in your mouth, but all of your dental imperfections will be gone.
If you are interested in finding out more about veneers or the other dental services we offer at Natural Smiles, fill out our online form or call our Louisville, KY office at (502) 414-0146.