For years, dental veneers have been gracing the smiles of celebrities, transforming drab teeth into dazzling smiles worthy of the red carpet. But in the past decade or so, veneers have become much more affordable, and improvements in materials have made them more widely available too. As a result, today anyone can enjoy the benefits of versatile, durable, beautiful veneers.

At Yardley Family Dentistry, Phillip Halper, DDS, uses veneers to help patients at his Yardley, Pennsylvania, practice get the smiles of their dreams. If you’ve got one or more smile flaws you’d like to correct, veneers could be a great option for you, too.

Veneer basics

Veneers are super thin, tooth-shaped “covers” that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Every veneer is custom shaped and tinted to blend beautifully with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful, healthy-looking smile.

Veneers typically take two office visits: one to prepare your tooth and one to apply the veneer. At your first visit, Dr. Halper removes a small amount of tooth material to make room for the veneer. Shaping your tooth allows the veneer to rest evenly with the surfaces of your neighboring teeth. 

Once the tooth is shaped, Dr. Halper makes an impression or “mold” of your teeth. The mold is sent to a lab that specializes in creating custom veneers. Then, Dr. Halper applies a temporary veneer to protect your tooth until the second visit.

During your second office visit, Dr. Halper applies the veneer using a strong dental adhesive, shaping the veneer for a perfect fit and appearance. Afterward, you can care for your veneer like you care for your other teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.

5 common smile flaws flaws that veneers can remedy

Veneers are versatile, cosmetically correcting an array of cosmetic imperfections. They can both improve the appearance of your smile and often protect you from associated dental health risks.

#1: Chipped teeth

Chips don’t just make your smile look worn and damaged — they can let decay-causing bacteria into the inner part of your tooth, increasing your risks of cavities and tooth loss. Veneers restore the healthy appearance of the tooth while creating a strong barrier against germs and decay.

#2: Deeply discolored teeth

Professional teeth whitening can be a great option for teeth with superficial stains. But if your teeth are deeply discolored or stained from disease or nerve damage, whitening isn’t going to give you the results you’re looking for. Custom veneers can be tinted to match your natural teeth, so they blend in with the rest of your smile.

#3: Gaps between teeth

Gaps aren’t just unattractive — they can also make it easier for food particles, plaque, and bacteria to collect, increasing your risk of decay. Veneers close up these gaps so your smile looks naturally beautiful and healthy.

#4: Short or small teeth

Symmetry plays a big role in the way your smile looks. If you have one or more teeth that look too small, it can affect your entire smile. Because veneers are custom shaped, they’re a great solution for teeth that look too small or are otherwise oddly shaped.

#5: Misaligned teeth

Veneers aren’t designed to replace orthodontics, so if you have a severe alignment problem, braces or aligners are still the best way to go. But veneers can correct the appearance of more minor alignment issues, like a tooth that’s slightly crooked or twisted. Plus, since veneers only take a couple of dentist appointments, you’ll see your results a lot faster.

Transform your smile

Veneers can help your smile look its best at any age, but the key to getting the best results is to choose a dentist with experience in the most advanced veneer techniques. As a top-ranked family and aesthetic dentist in Yardley, Pennsylvania, Dr. Halper has the expertise and experience to ensure your results are just what you’re looking for.

To learn more about veneers, call Yardley Family Dentistry or book an appointment online today.