Veneers

Patients may consider veneers if they have stained, pointy, or unusually shaped teeth to make their smile more symmetrical or balanced. At AppleTree Dental in Anaheim, California, Mike Kang, DDS, and his dedicated team regularly use veneers to transform smiles and encourage optimal oral health. To request a veneer consultation, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that your AppleTree Dental provider bonds to the surfaces of your permanent teeth. They cover minor cosmetic imperfections, such as tooth discoloration, pitting, or broken teeth. Once placed, the veneers improve the appearance of your teeth, letting you smile confidently.

What types of cosmetic issues can veneers correct?

AppleTree Dental uses veneers to correct various cosmetic issues, including:

• Broken and chipped teeth
• Severe discoloration and staining
• Gaps between teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth

You might also qualify for veneers if you have pointy or unusually shaped teeth that keep you from smiling.

Who is a candidate for veneers?

Before recommending veneers, your AppleTree Dental provider reviews your dental records, completes an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays. If you have crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, your provider may recommend orthodontic treatment first.

What does getting veneers involve?

At AppleTree Dental, getting veneers takes two appointments about a week apart.

First, your provider prepares your teeth to receive the veneers. They administer a local anesthetic and remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth, about one millimeter thick.

After preparing your teeth, your provider takes digital impressions with the Medit i500® intraoral scanner. They send your impressions to a dental lab that designs and manufactures a set of custom veneers.

When the lab finishes your custom veneers, you visit AppleTree Dental the second time. Your provider administers a local anesthetic, bonds the veneers to the surfaces of your permanent teeth, and checks your bite. Then, they polish your teeth and provide recovery instructions.

What is recovery like after getting veneers?

You can return to work and other normal activities after getting veneers. You might experience some mild tooth or gum sensitivity during the first 48 hours, but any discomfort should resolve quickly. 

When biting and chewing, you might notice that your veneers feel rough. These rough spots are places with excess bonding material. They should wear down and smooth out within a week.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last 5-7 years* on average, but you can extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene. AppleTree Dental recommends avoiding bad habits, such as nail-biting, never using your teeth to open packaging, and wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports.

To see if you can benefit from veneers, call AppleTree Dental or schedule an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary