Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: Are Veneers Considered Cosmetic

Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: Are Veneers Considered Cosmetic from Farmington Family Dentistry in Farmington, NMWhile veneers are technically considered cosmetic treatments, a cosmetic dentist may describe additional benefits to getting them added to the teeth. Dental veneers can both improve the look of the smile and help keep teeth healthy. These thin, customized shells cover the front of the teeth and can be customized to match the color of the existing teeth for a natural look. The main reason most people get veneers is to change the appearance of the smile, which is why they are considered cosmetic.

Cosmetic reasons to get veneers

There are a number of appearance issues veneers are able to fix.

Changing tooth color

Those with severely discolored teeth that are unresponsive to whitening treatment can add veneers to get a brighter, whiter smile. Because patients can choose the color of the veneers, it is simple to select a shade that looks both whiter and natural.

Changing tooth shape

Adding veneers can make irregularly shaped teeth appear more symmetrical. Odd curves or bumps can be fixed without having to remove excessive amounts of enamel.

Changing tooth size

Teeth that appear too short or too thin can be made to look longer, wider, or both by getting veneers. Because a veneer adds substance to the tooth, it can both be customized to fit the original tooth while making it appear more aesthetically appealing.

Fixing chipped teeth

Veneers can also be used as an alternative to dental bonding in the event a tooth gets chipped. A chip in a highly visible location like a front tooth can be difficult to conceal with dental bonding, but a veneer can conceal it seamlessly. The dental cement used to attach the veneer can fill in the chip while the veneer itself covers up any irregularity in the tooth.

Fixing gaps in teeth

Because veneers add a small amount of material to the teeth, adding them can reduce or close gaps between teeth. While larger gaps may require other treatment methods to completely close it, smaller gaps can typically be solved with veneers.

Minimize damage from tooth grinding

Years of wear and tear from tooth grinding can cause the teeth to erode and appear shorter or misshapen. Veneers can restore the natural shape of the tooth and help prevent further erosion of the enamel.

Noncosmetic benefits of veneers

In addition to changing the appearance the teeth, veneers applied by a cosmetic dentist can assist with the prevention of oral diseases.

Replace worn down enamel

Eroded enamel can leave the teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Veneers are applied on top of the enamel and can protect weakened enamel from exposure to germs and bacteria.

Maintain the jaw’s structural integrity

Teeth that are misaligned can cause issues such as temporomandibular joint disease, which leads to jaw pain and headaches. Altering the way the teeth align with veneers can help minimize the risk of jaw complications.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Veneers in Farmington, NM

Conclusion

A cosmetic dentist most often adds veneers to alter the appearance of the teeth. However, veneers can also provide noncosmetic benefits such as protecting enamel and minimizing the risk of jaw problems.

Request an appointment or call Farmington Family Dentistry at 505-295-4075 for an appointment in our Farmington office.

Recent Posts

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: What Is Dental Bonding

One of the treatment options a cosmetic dentist may employ to improve the appearance of a person's smile is dental bonding. Also known as tooth bonding, dental bonding is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to achieve the desired result. When a cosmetic dentist performs dental bonding, the dentist applies…

Truths And Myths From A Cosmetic Dentist

The term “cosmetic” causes many people to brush off the idea of visiting a cosmetic dentist to fix serious oral health problems. Oftentimes, this is the result of major misconceptions about possible treatments and the feeling that procedures are purely about fixing appearance. However, this form of dentistry usually goes far beyond aesthetic appeal. It…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Place Inlays And Onlays

A cosmetic dentist can use inlays and onlays in situations where a crown might be undesirable or unnecessary. Inlays strengthen the tooth's existing structure, and onlays cover the cusp of the tooth. Both are bonded on to restore tooth integrity and functionality in a natural-looking way. Inlays and onlays achieve many of the same results…

Recent Posts

TMJ Treatments From A General Dentist

TMJ Treatments From A General Dentist

TMJ disorders are known to be one of the most grueling, as they induce a lot of discomfort and difficulty eating. However, modern-day technology has allowed for a wide range of options when it comes to treatment plans. Working with a general dentist is typically the first step. As surprising as it may be, general…

A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Self Esteem

A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Self-Esteem

A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…