Discover What Veneers Can Do For Your Smile

When your teeth look dark, chipped, or uneven, you want to hide. Today's cosmetic dental techniques offer something to counter that embarrassment: porcelain veneers. Crafted and placed by your North Hollywood dentists, Dr. Michael Amir and Dr. Talia Amir, porcelain veneers strengthen and beautify defective enamel. The result is a winning smile.

Just what is a veneer?

Porcelain veneers from Dental Planet in North Hollywood are thin pieces of dental-grade ceramic. Shaped to fit over the front of flawed (but otherwise healthy) teeth, porcelain veneers improve tooth color, shape, size, and texture. A permanent dental enhancement, veneers require some mild enamel resurfacing to ensure proper fit and comfort.

How are veneers done?

A one-on-one cosmetic dentistry consultation is the first step. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, checking for any oral health problems. He'll also note your tooth shape and color, any aesthetic defects, and your dental bite.

For your part, you'll give the dentist ideas on how you'd like your smile to change. Do you have an oddly shaped tooth? Are your teeth stained from tobacco usage? Is one tooth slightly rotated right next to a small, but obvious, gap? Be specific and realistic, and communicate your goals to your dentist.

From there, your dentist will recommend treatments to achieve that great smile. At Dental Planet, you can avail yourself of a wide range of services, all designed to help you look your best. Veneers may be the only treatment you need. However, these beautiful, tooth-shaped shells often combine with other services, such as teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, composite resin bonding and others.

The treatment takes two or three appointments at Dental Planet. One is for consultation, examination, oral impressions and enamel resurfacing. Also, your dentist will place temporary veneers over your prepared teeth. You'll wear them until the next appointment when the dentist places your permanent veneers. Special cement and a curing light ensure a strong bond. At the last appointment, the dentist will check your veneers and make sure residual gum or tooth sensitivity has resolved.

Living with your new veneers

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states that veneers last an average of five to 12 years. However, with diligent care, they could last up to 20. Much depends on:

1. Brushing and flossing as the American Dental Association recommends
2. Seeing your dentist semi-annually for a check-up and cleaning
3. Avoiding staining foods, beverages and tobacco
4. Protecting your teeth from clenching and grinding (bruxism)
5. Avoiding hard foods and habits such as opening packages or bottles with your teeth

A quality, celebrity smile

Yes, it could be yours! Why not contact Dental Planet in North Hollywood, CA, today for a consultation on veneers and other cosmetic services. Call (818) 506-2977.