Dental Veneers in Lafayette, IN
It’s quite common to be concerned about aesthetic dental imperfections that mar your appearance and make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are many treatments that a cosmetic dentist can choose from to easily correct these types of flaws.
Porcelain veneers are one example of a treatment that can correct a wide variety of problems with tremendous results. One advantage of veneers is that they can be used on just one tooth or several teeth. Using versatile porcelain veneers, we can create a smile makeover in just a few visits to our Lafayette dental office.
How do Porcelain Veneers Work?
Veneers are made from a very thin layer of dental porcelain that is bonded securely to the surface enamel of your teeth. Because of their highly polished surface, veneers are very resistant to staining and will not change color over time.
We start by having a consultation to discuss the problems you’d like to address. Once we have a clear picture of your goals, we can help you decide if porcelain veneers are the best solution or if another cosmetic treatment is more appropriate.
Then we start the process of placing your veneers by shaving a tiny bit of enamel from your natural tooth. This is an important part of the process, because we remove just enough to allow the veneer to sit naturally on your tooth.
Next, we take impressions of your prepared teeth that will be used to create an accurate mold. Our dental lab will then use this mold to fabricate your custom-made veneers. Once the veneers are finished, you will return to our office where we will place, shape, and polish your new veneers.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
Dental veneers are great but sometimes there are better ways to achieve a beautiful smile. Most times stained teeth can be corrected with teeth whitening and crooked teeth realigned with orthodontics such as clear aligners. During your initial consultation we will evaluate your needs and provide all your treatment options.
Caring for your Porcelain Veneers
Veneers placed by a cosmetic dentist are quite durable, but they do need to be treated with care. It’s important to maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine to protect your natural teeth and prolong the life of your veneers.
It’s best to avoid biting down on hard, crunchy foods like nuts, hard candies, and even ice as they can chip or crack your veneer. A cracked veneer cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.
Please Contact our Office for a Complimentary Consultation
Porcelain veneers are an investment in time and money, and we want you to be completely satisfied with the results. Please contact our office to arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss porcelain veneers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be a good candidate for veneers.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can conceal a range of cosmetic problems and are often part of a cosmetic dentistry smile makeover.
Using veneers, we can repair:
- Chips and cosmetic cracks
- Discolorations that are resistant to teeth whitening treatments
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Small, worn, or unusually shaped teeth
- Crooked teeth
Veneers are a good choice if your teeth are generally healthy and you don't have any decay or gum disease. If you do happen to have areas of decay or gum disease, or if you have habits that could be damaging to your veneers like chewing your fingernails or grinding your teeth, we will need to treat those issues first before we can place your veneers.
Veneers are an investment and should be considered as such. Once your teeth are prepped for veneers, we cannot reverse the process. With good care, your veneers can last for many years before they need to be replaced.
Veneers are typically not covered by insurance, but we can discuss options like financing through CareCredit that can make it easier to fit cosmetic dentistry into your budget. Call today to schedule your consultation with our Lafayette dentists.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Erik Challgren DDS
Dr. Erik is a Lafayette native and graduate of Harrison High School. He received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Indiana University, and then decided to pursue his interest in dentistry by attending the Indiana University School of Dentistry, receiving a dental degree in 2009. He enjoys promoting preventative dentistry, and educating his patients about their dental health. Outside of the office, Dr. Erik enjoys fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities along with spending time with his wife Shannon, and 3 children- Olivia, Marshall, and Garrett. Dr Erik is a ...