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Veneers and Laminates

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What Are Veneers and Laminates?

Dental veneers, also referred to as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are relatively thin shells that match the color of your teeth and are attached directly to the front surface of your teeth to help improve their appearance. Veneers are typically composed of porcelain or resin composite materials (hence their other names) and can be permanently bonded to your teeth through a procedure. Often, it is common for a person to just need one veneer due to a broken or chipped tooth, but they may decide to get around six to eight veneers placed on their teeth to help even out and create a symmetrical smile. The most common teeth to have veneers applied are the top front eight. 

What Are The Different Types Of Veneers/Laminates? 

There are three different types of veneers that Dr. Khoda is practicing today. They are: 

  • Porcelain: Commonly referred to as traditional veneers, these originally started as just something meant for a temporary fix to help improve smiles for people in show business. This style consists of a thin ceramic shell bonded to the front side of your teeth. To this day, they are still a popular permanent solution to help achieve even smiles. The average lifetime of these veneers is about 10-15 years if they are taken care of properly. As thin as porcelain veneers are, they are still a very strong cap for your teeth. For a dentist to bond these to your teeth, the procedure requires them to remove some enamel from the teeth to have an even and smooth fit. These are the same color as natural teeth, but there is the option of making them whiter to brighten your smile
  • Lumineers: These are the thinnest veneers of all the different styles. With this style, the attaching process is relatively easy. It does not require any grinding of the enamel (or very minimal grinding) and can be applied in as little as two visits. The life expectancy of this style is about 5-10 years. They can be taken off with a minor procedure if desired. As simple as these are, they do come with some slight downfalls. Common complaints about this style are that they detach too easily, are translucent enough to see dark teeth underneath, and that they feel too thin
  • Composite Veneers: These are also known as bonded or resin-based composite veneers. Composite veneers are a popular choice because they are a lot cheaper and less destructive to your smile. One downside is that they are more prone to chipping and staining than porcelain veneers. So similar to porcelain veneers, however, they typically require less enamel removal. In some cases, the dentist might not even have to remove any enamel. They typically last about 5-10 years. Composite veneers are relatively easier to replace when broken or damaged than most other styles. These veneers help achieve a polished and smooth look of normal teeth in a simple procedure

Why Should I Get Veneers and Laminates

People choose to get veneers for a variety of reasons. However, the biggest benefit is that they improve the appearance of your teeth. And can even help give you a bigger and brighter smile. Here are some of the most common reasons why patients choose to get veneers:

  • Gaps in teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
  • Severe tooth discoloration
  • The uneven coloring that can’t be fixed with whitening

Now some of the benefits of getting veneers are:

  • Their durability
  • Correct multiple cosmetic issues at once
  • A brighter and more confident smile

Things to Know Before You Get Your Veneers: 

Just like most dental procedures, you always want to ensure that your mouth and teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. Especially before you get veneers placed on your teeth, you want to make sure your gums are healthy and that any decay or infections are taken care of beforehand. One thing to note is that veneers are not always the best choice for people who are big-time teeth grinders. Because if you constantly grind your teeth and the veneers are thin, they may break or get cracked easily. Also, keep in mind that when a dentist removes enamel from your teeth, it cannot be undone. So if the type of veneer you are getting requires that, then the process is irreversible. The best thing to do is sit down with your dentist and go over the procedure and the different things you need to expect so you can fully understand and be prepared. 

Things to Know After You Get Veneers: 

The durability and life expectancy of your veneers depend on how much you care for them. The care can be the difference between them lasting for 15 years as opposed to just five years. So you must ensure you follow all the instructions your dentist provides. Here are some common things to be aware of:

  • Veneers can break under pressure: You will want to avoid biting your nails and other hard things, such as chewing on ice
  • It will take some time to get used to the feeling of your veneers: They will feel different at first, so be patient trying to get used to them. If they continue to be uncomfortable, then make sure to let your dentist know
  • Always keep your teeth and gums clean: Make sure you are doing all that you can by brushing and flossing daily to keep your mouth healthy

Veneers

Veneers

Veneers are thin handcrafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained or worn. Veneers are thin as contact lenses, and are an aesthetically pleasing option of closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and providing symmetry to make your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers may be right for you.



Dr. Ava Khodakhast

Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr. Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative work.

Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed University of Missouri, Kansas City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral Biology and seamlessly entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed. Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by the American Board of Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.

A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings. During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity that infuses her artistry with compassion.

Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.

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