Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that bond to your permanent teeth. They mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your natural tooth enamel, allowing for a white, bright, and beautiful smile.

Some people get only one veneer to cover up a chipped or cracked tooth. Dr. Hwang typically recommends getting 6-8 to restore balance and symmetry to your smile.

At Smile for Miles Dental, Dr. Hwang uses veneers to help correct mild or moderate oral imperfections, including:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Pointy or unusually shaped teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Chips, cracks, and other damage

Dr. Hwang also uses veneers to cover up visible gaps and spaces between teeth.

At Smile for Miles Dental, getting veneers takes two appointments:

First appointment

Dr. Hwang conducts an oral exam and asks about your goals for treatment. Then, she takes a series of digital, panoramic oral X-rays to assess the condition and position of your teeth.

Next, Dr. Hwang administers a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth to receive veneers. She removes a thin layer of enamel from each tooth, about one millimeter, and takes scans of your mouth.

Finally, she sends your impressions to a dental laboratory, which creates a set of custom veneers.

Second appointment

When the laboratory completes your veneers, you return to Smile for Miles Dental. Dr. Hwang lines up the veneers with your permanent teeth and bonds them in place. Then, she polishes your teeth, trims any excess material, and provides you with care instructions.

Veneers won’t last forever, but if you take good care of them, it’s possible to extend their lifespan. Dr. Hwang recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Smile for Miles Dental two times a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

To prevent damage to your veneers, avoid bad habits like nail-biting or chewing on ice cubes, and wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports like rugby, hockey, or football.

If you want to learn more about veneers, make an appointment at Smile for Miles Dental by calling the office to speak with a friendly staff member or by clicking the online booking tool.