Having a beautiful, straight, smile has been proven to be a great asset in social and professional settings; and people are more likely to judge you positively when your smile is radiant. Fortunately, there are many cosmetic dentistry options available to improve your appearance, and porcelain veneers are one of the most popular. Not only do many celebrities owe thanks to veneers for gorgeous smiles, but now more than ever, everyday people are taking the plunge into cosmetic veneers to finally have the smile they always wanted.

What They Are

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped, pieces of porcelain that are custom designed to fit over your teeth. They can be used to fill in gaps and chips, or just to create a better overall appearance. Often several teeth will be covered with veneers for an extremely uniform look. Due to the amazing strength of dental porcelain, veneers can last upwards of 10 to 15 years with regular dental care.

What They Are Not

Some people believe that veneers can solve all of their dental problems, and this is in fact not true. Veneers are not meant to repair major anatomy problems, or to provide any type of restorative properties. Typically they are applied to healthy teeth with minor cosmetic flaws, which the patient wishes to correct. The procedure requires removal of a thin layer of your natural tooth enamel, and once adhered, porcelain veneers are permanent.

The Procedure

Usually veneer placement happens in a series of two office visits. During your first visit, the dentist will remove a tiny layer of tooth enamel (about ½ millimeter thick) from the front of your teeth. Then, he or she will take impressions of your mouth to send to the dental ceramist who will customize your veneers. You will leave the office with temporary veneers in place. At your second visit, your perfectly designed veneers will be bonded to the surfaces of your teeth after removal of the temporary ones. You should be able to return to normal activity immediately.

About Your Des Moines Dentist:

Dr. Burds will do everything he can to save your teeth and your smile, but sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to keep your mouth and body safe. If you need a tooth extracted to save the rest of your smile, contact Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, Iowa, at (515) 244-9565. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.