Veneers in Lakeland, Florida

Stained, chipped, or uneven teeth can make it harder to feel confident in your smile. You may find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or avoiding photos altogether. Even small imperfections can have a lasting impact on how you feel about your appearance.

At Crosby Dentistry in Lakeland, Florida, we offer dental veneers as a cosmetic option to improve the shape, color, and overall look of your teeth while preserving your natural tooth structure. Dr. Brian Crosby and our team take a personalized approach, helping patients choose veneer options that support both their goals and long-term oral health.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers feature a thin layer of porcelain that is applied to the surface of your natural tooth. They are specially designed to mimic the look and feel of your natural smile. Every set of veneers is custom-made, so you can choose the perfect color and shape for your mouth. This cosmetic procedure is a great way to straighten or brighten a smile.

While many people think of a porcelain veneer as the standard, there are actually different types of veneers available. Some patients may choose a composite veneer, which uses a special composite resin material. Others might prefer porcelain laminate veneers because they are very strong and look just like real tooth enamel. Our team can help you decide which material is best for the appearance of your teeth and your budget.

What Happens During a Veneer Procedure in Lakeland, Florida?

Usually, the veneer procedure requires two separate appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Crosby will gently remove the top-most portion of each tooth where a veneer will eventually be placed. Because each veneer is so thin, much of the natural tooth will remain. Next, the dentist will take a mold of your mouth using soft wax. The mold is then sent to the laboratory, where professionals will design your veneers to fit custom to your mouth. You’ll also be able to choose the final color for the veneers at this point. Dr. Crosby will place a temporary covering on your teeth as you await your set of veneers.

Once your veneers are sent back to our office, you can complete your cosmetic procedure. Your temporary veneers will be removed, and the dentist will carefully clean and sanitize each tooth. The veneers will be cemented into place, covering your natural tooth to create a beautiful smile. Tiny adjustments may be made to ensure there is plenty of room between each tooth to allow you to floss and to ensure that your bite pattern remains the same. Then, all you have to do is show off your brand-new set of teeth to your friends and family.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

Veneers are a very easy cosmetic procedure that many patients opt for. Not only are they long-lasting, but they are fully customizable. You have the power to choose the final color for your veneers, as well as the shape. Plus, veneers can cover just one tooth or all your teeth. This feature allows you to target a single problematic tooth or create a brand-new canvas with a full set of veneers in your mouth. The procedure to place veneers is generally painless, and just a local anesthetic is required.

Many people choose this cosmetic procedure because it provides a radiant smile much faster than orthodontic treatment. If you have uneven teeth or a single missing tooth space that needs to be disguised, dental veneers can close spaces and create a uniform look. According to the American Dental Association, keeping your natural teeth healthy is the top priority, and veneers allow us to keep most of your natural tooth structure intact.

Comparing Veneers to Other Cosmetic Treatments

Veneers are often compared to other dental treatments like dental bonding or dental implants. Dental bonding uses a small amount of composite resin to fix minor chips. While it is a quick fix, it doesn’t always last as long as porcelain laminate veneers. On the other hand, dental implants are used to replace an entire tooth from the root up. Veneers are different because they only cover the front of the teeth to change how they look.

For many, veneers are the ultimate permanent solution for a bright smile. Because the tooth surface is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, the process is usually not reversible. This makes them a long-term commitment to your dental health and beauty. Whether you choose prep veneers or no-prep options, the goal is always to create a natural and healthy look.

Caring for Your Results

Once your veneers are in place, they will function and feel just like your natural teeth. Care for your veneers by brushing twice per day and flossing at least once per day. Veneers are made of porcelain, which makes them very durable. Still, try to avoid biting into hard foods like nuts and ice. With the right care, dental veneers can last for at least ten years. Keeping regular dental cleaning appointments is also part of good oral care.

You should also try to avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages. Even though the resin cement used to hold them is very strong, the thin porcelain can still crack if put under too much pressure. Avoiding very crunchy foods or hard candy can help protect your veneer restorations. If you stay on top of your dental care, your veneers will continue to look great for a long time.