Porcelain dental veneers are made from thin sheets of dental porcelain that your dentist sculpts to precise specifications. Porcelain dental veneers are one of the most useful cosmetic treatments, because they can address a wide range of cosmetic issues with a single treatment. However, you may be wondering, how many teeth can veneers fix? If I need one dental veneer, do I have to get an entire set? Dental veneers can be used on a single tooth, or they can be used on many teeth to create a beautiful smile. Here’s how they work.

Using Dental Veneers for a Set of Teeth or a Single Tooth

Dental veneers are fabricated individually, and they are placed individually. That means that veneers can be used on a number of teeth, or a single tooth in your mouth. To place a dental veneer, your dentist will first evaluate your teeth and take measurements. Then, your dentist will carefully fabricate the veneer to look beautiful and lifelike. Next, your dentist will smooth out the surface of your tooth so that the veneer can bond cleanly. Your dentist will then carefully bond each veneer to its corresponding surface.

Dental Veneers Correct a Wide Range of Issues

Why are dental veneers so useful? They basically create a new surface that is free from any cosmetic defects. Your dental veneers can address issues like surface cracks and grooves. They can also correct for very minor cases of cosmetic misalignment. Your dental veneers can even make a more uniform smile, if some of your teeth are proportionally longer or shorter than the others. Finally, dental veneers can also be treated to create a whitening effect for your teeth. If you’ve got a number of cosmetic issues to address, veneers may be the best option.

When Would a Dental Crown Be Better?

There are some cases where a veneer isn’t ideal. If you’re addressing a single tooth that has structural issues in addition to cosmetic issues, a dental crown might be better. Dental crowns are made out of the same material, and they can be made to look lifelike as well. If your tooth has suffered from infection, or it is significantly damaged, your dentist might choose a crown. To place a dental crown, your dentist has to sculpt more of your natural tooth to serve as a base, so it’s not typically something you’d do for cosmetic reasons alone.

Learn More About Dental Veneers at Cedar Dental

The appearance of your smile can impact your confidence and happiness. If you’d like to see a cosmetic improvement in your teeth, explore options for dental veneers at Cedar Dental. We can evaluate your teeth and determine the best cosmetic treatment for your situation. Schedule a cosmetic consultation by contacting Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by calling 319-364-7108.