What is a Veneer?

Here at Hill and Schneidmiller DDS, we offer premium quality cosmetic dentistry with a variety of options designed to help you reach your ideal smile.

One of those options is the placement of dental veneers. Let us revitalize your smile with beautiful customized veneers.

What is a veneer?

Veneers are, simply put, a tooth covering often made of either dental porcelain, or a composite material. We place a thin-but-strong layer over one or more of your front teeth, which covers and protects the enamel. Veneers are highly durable, leaving you with a smile you can enjoy for years to come!

Types Of Veneers

These customized dental treatments come in a few primary forms, allowing you and Dr Hill the freedom to choose an option that most perfectly suits your needs.

Porcelain Veneers | Dental porcelain is strong and durable. Additionally, the translucency of dental porcelain closely mimics enamel, allowing us to craft you a beautiful smile that will have the look and feel of completely natural teeth.

Porcelain Laminates | Laminates differ from veneers mainly in thickness. The dental porcelain is shaped into a much thinner layer before placement. This requires less tooth preparation before placement, which is a benefit that many patients love.

Composite Veneers | If dental porcelain does not work for your needs, veneers can also be crafted from a composite resin. Resin is what we commonly use for dental fillings, and can be matched to your smile just like porcelain. An additional advantage is that this option can be completed in a single visit!

Temporary Veneers | We place temporaries as a way to make sure our smile designs fit perfectly before beginning the permanent placement process. Temporary veneers also allow you to give your new smile something of a test run. See how you like its look and feel before committing completely.

The wide variety of options available for dental veneers is great news for anyone looking into a smile enhancement. To truly understand all the options, time involved, and fees, schedule a consultation with us, and let us know if you have dental insurance that may cover this service.

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

Many people think of veneers as things that only serve to whiten teeth. While that is certainly one of the benefits, veneers do so much more than that!

Protection | Veneers are to teeth what a screen protector is to your phone. Enamel is tough—the hardest substance created by the human body, in fact. But though it is very strong, it can be eroded, dissolved, or broken. A veneer provides that extra level of protection between the elements and your natural teeth.

Beauty | Dental porcelain or resin can be matched to any shade you want, whether that be a dazzling white or the same as your natural tooth enamel. Veneers can also be crafted to your exact specifications in more ways than just teeth whitening—including size and shape.  

Closed Gaps | If you are frustrated with a small gap that bothers you, but isn’t large enough to merit full orthodontic treatment, then veneers may just be what you’re looking for! The placement of veneers are totally customized, which can include shaping that takes care of those pesky gaps.

Straightening | In much the same way, minor snaggles can be camouflaged by customized shaping and placement of dental veneers.

The Dental Veneer Procedure

  1. The first step of any veneer procedure is the consultation. During this process we examine your teeth to see if you are a good candidate for veneer placement.
  2. We will prepare the tooth surface for the veneer that is best for you. An impression of this surface is made and sent to our lab. A temporary veneer is placed to keep your tooth comfortable until your final visit. 
  3. The custom veneer is permanently attached and sealed onto the front of your tooth.
  4. Then it’s time to show off your brand new smile!

Caring for Your Dental Veneers

Once you receive dental veneers, they become a part of your complete tooth structure, and must be cared for along with your natural teeth. This includes regular oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride.

Proper oral health care, with or without veneers, also includes regular checkups and cleanings. Both veneers and your teeth will be stronger and last longer when you come in to see us at least twice a year.

The Cosmetic Advantage

Very few people are born with perfect teeth. When the defects are major, surgery or orthodontia can be a necessary solution. But what if that tooth is just a little crooked? Just a tiny bit out of place? Surgery would be overkill, so what can you do?

Veneers provide that answer by giving you a complete smile makeover without orthodontia or surgery. The final appearance of the veneer is in the hands of the professional cosmetic dentists who make them. It is often quite easy to camouflage very minor imperfections. The veneers already whiten the teeth and protect them from harm. Why not make them look as good as possible while doing so?

High Quality Dental Veneers in La Mesa, CA

Dental veneers can be a great benefit to both your teeth and your smile. Drs. Hill and Schneidmiller would love to talk to you about your options. Give us a call today.