Big changes in your appearance don't have to involve extensive or time-consuming dental work. Dental veneers offer a simple way to revitalize your smile. Westminster, CO, dentist Dr. Alexander Smith explains how veneers can transform your smile.

Veneers cover common flaws

Veneers are tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that are just about as thick as a contact lens. When they're applied to the fronts of your teeth with dental cement, they make imperfections in your tooth enamel disappear. Before you can receive your veneers, a tiny amount of tooth enamel must be removed in our Westminster office. A local anesthetic may be used during this step in the process, although so little enamel is removed that you might not need it. After the enamel is removed, an impression of your teeth will be made. The impression will be used by dental lab technicians who will create your new porcelain veneers.

Veneers are an excellent choice if you have visible chips or cracks in teeth. Although these problems may not threaten the integrity of your teeth, they can be unsightly. Applying a veneer or two conceals flaws and offers a dramatic smile transformation. Veneers can also be used to conceal discolorations caused by trauma to a tooth, tetracycline use, large fillings or root canal therapy. Is the surface of a tooth pitted, bumpy or uneven? Adding a veneer keeps those imperfections hidden away.

Changing the shape or length of a tooth is easy with veneers

Does one of your teeth look a little odd? Sometimes, the rest of your teeth can be perfectly straight, while one tooth is a little crooked or twisted. Because the problem only affects one or two teeth, there's no need for orthodontic treatment, but that doesn't mean that the problem can't be corrected. Your new veneer will ensure that the tooth matches the shape of surrounding teeth.

Veneers also extend the length of short teeth. When your permanent teeth first appeared, you may have noticed that one tooth was shorter than others, but assumed that there was nothing you could do to correct the flaw. Short teeth can also occur if you grind your teeth at night. Thanks to veneers, a noticeably short tooth will no longer be an issue.

Are you ready to find out if veneers are a good option for you? Call Westminster, CO, dentist Dr. Alexander Smith at (303) 427-8690 to schedule an appointment.