Hollywood has long influenced common perceptions and standards of beauty. Always striving to look their best to remain competitive among peers, television and film stars are typically on the forefront of aesthetic improvements. The rest of us often seek to use their methods to our own advantage.

Dental veneers, like many other cosmetic enhancements, were born from Tinsel Town celebrities' pursuit of perfection. What is surprising is that the first leading men and starlets using the earliest form of veneers were on the silent screen in the roaring 1920s.

Almost a hundred years later, veneers have improved so much that they are conveniently applied, long lasting, natural in appearance and cost-effective. Modern dental veneers are accessible to almost anyone who desires their own perfect smile. As the field of cosmetic dentistry has advanced, so have veneers.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are porcelain or resin composite shells permanently bonded to the front surfaces of teeth by a cosmetic dentist. These shells are custom crafted for each patient to suit the coloration and size of their natural teeth. Cosmetic dentists are able to use veneers to fix a wide variety of dental issues and immediately improve the patient's smile.

The application of veneers usually requires a consultation with your cosmetic dentist, followed by two or more appointments to craft and apply them to your teeth. You will likely need to return for a checkup within a few weeks after gaining your dental veneers, to ensure they are well-fitted and adequately applied.

Am I a good candidate for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very commonly applied to improve color, shape and overall appearance of patients' teeth. They are also used to fix broken teeth, poorly positioned teeth and gaps. However, a solution for one patient is not always a solution for every other one. In order to determine if you are a good candidate, the best approach is to visit a cosmetic dentist skilled in application of dental veneers.

A cosmetic dentist who is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry will have the right combination of skill, education and experience to ensure your smile is enhanced using the optimum means. There may be better solutions for your particular needs. Or, a combination of dental veneers and other corrective procedures might serve your smile best.

During a consultation visit with your cosmetic dentist, he or she will provide you with a smile analysis to develop a treatment plan. Some cosmetic dentists are able to provide cosmetic imaging or other means of simulating what your final smile will look like with veneers or other dental improvements. This consultation is a great time to develop a partnership with your cosmetic dentist, toward common goals for your most beautiful smile.

In working with an AACD member cosmetic dentist, you can be assured your smile is in good care. While you will not leave your dentist's office looking exactly like George Clooney, Brad Pitt or Charlize Theron, you will be able to smile beautifully with confidence, thanks to dental veneers.

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