There’s no denying it: a beautiful smile with shiny, bright teeth makes a great first impression. But what happens if your healthy teeth look less-than-sparkly? Many people feel uncomfortable about their teeth, wishing they were whiter, straighter, and yes, even slightly bigger. If you have looked in the mirror and wished your teeth could be different, there is help. Veneers for small teeth (and for a host of other cosmetic imperfections) can help you achieve the smile you want.

Why do I have small teeth?

Small teeth are not, in and of themselves, a problem. Our teeth are strong and well-designed to perform their functions, regardless of size. Genetics may be behind small teeth, or you may find your modestly-sized teeth getting smaller due to tooth grinding or other causes of wear.

Knowing that your teeth are perfectly functional just the way they are can be small consolation, though. We understand and see you, smiling behind closed lips and trying not to let your teeth show. You might feel uncomfortable or awkward flashing your smaller pearly whites, even if they are healthy and beautiful.

Fortunately, if you’re ready to make a change, dental veneers for small teeth can help.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that fit right over existing teeth. Applied primarily for cosmetic reconstruction, dental veneers are most often used to:

  • Cover deep, resistant stains and discoloration
  • Straighten and smooth teeth
  • Fill in gaps and cracks

Dental veneers can also protect your teeth from further damage due to teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can lead to serious oral health issues and, yes, can also make your teeth become even smaller.

As a small teeth treatment, dental veneers can replace your healthy but small teeth with a sparkling row of pearly whites that you are proud to flash at every opportunity. Dental veneers don’t just restore your teeth—they also restore your self-confidence.

Do veneers make your teeth look bigger?

Dental veneers for small teeth can not only make your teeth look bigger; they actually increase the size of the teeth. When a cosmetic dentist designs your smile, your dentist can increase the size of the veneers to change the appearance of your teeth.

This is done not with a template of some “perfect” smile but with you, the patient, fully in mind. There is no one “perfect” smile for everyone. The goal of dental veneers is not to replace your natural teeth with an artificial set of so-white-they-glow pickets but with natural-looking and properly functioning teeth.

The design process takes into account everything about your smile, including how wide it is, how you talk, and your own preferences in terms of aesthetics.

How do veneers for small teeth work?

Dental veneers for small teeth are not a quick fix. The process takes at least three office visits, with several weeks in between each.

Taking the time to properly design your new smile is important, though, and worth the wait.

Consultation

The first step is a consultation with your dentist. It’s important to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic procedures and has experience to complete the job well. You want a dentist who understands color matching and precise shaping and sizing of your veneers for the most natural-looking results.

In the first visit, you and your dentist will talk in-depth about your goals for cosmetic restoration and what your veneer options are. They will conduct a complete exam, including X-rays if necessary, to make sure your teeth are healthy without underlying oral health issues.

Preparation

After you decide on a treatment plan, your teeth will be prepared for veneers. This process generally includes two steps:

  1. Removing tooth enamel for better bonding between the veneer and the natural tooth
  2. Creating an impression for the permanent veneers

To design dental veneers for small teeth, less enamel will need to be removed, but because even a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, your teeth cannot remain uncovered. Your dentist will install a temporary set of composite veneers while your permanent ones are custom-made. The temporary veneers will be a bit more bulky and not look quite as natural as the permanent ones, but they can give you some idea of what to expect after treatment.

We work with master ceramists at AZ Dentist to individually craft perfectly matched dental veneers that are precisely sized to fit your teeth and make them bigger. In some cases, we will even send patients to the ceramists’ studio to ensure good color matching of natural teeth.

Procedure

Once your permanent veneers are ready, it’s back to the dentist’s chair. This procedure does not usually require any type of anesthetic, but talk to your dentist if you experience any discomfort or anxiety.

Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and fit the permanent ones first without dental cement (to evaluate fit and color). After making any necessary adjustments, they will apply dental cement to the veneer and fit the veneer over your teeth. A special light hardens the dental cement and strengthens the bond between tooth and veneer.

Finally, your dentist checks your bite to make sure your veneers are as functional as they are beautiful.

How to care for dental veneers

To care for your dental veneers and preserve their longevity, brush your teeth twice daily, floss once, and rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash once a day.

You can preserve the appearance of your dental veneers and make them last longer by taking the following precautions:

  • Avoid hard foods
  • Limit intake of coffee, tea, wine, and soda
  • Quit smoking
  • Stop biting nails
  • Stop chewing gum

With proper care, dental veneers for small teeth can last a decade or longer.

If you are considering dental veneers for small teeth (or any other cosmetic reconstruction), get in touch with AZ Dentist today!

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