Caring for Veneers
Even if you try your hardest to take care of your teeth, you may still be unhappy with the way that they look. Discoloration, staining, gummy smiles, and small chips and cracks can all affect the way that your smile looks. Instead of having to go for more invasive treatment that may or may not even be needed, veneers can cover up the small imperfections at the front of your smile. Veneers are comfortable to wear and are made to be durable, normally lasting an average of 10 or more years.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are typically made out of porcelain and look like small, thin shells. Veneers are made for each individual patient, ensuring that they provide a comfortable, even fit over your existing teeth. Veneers are considered more of a cosmetic option because they cover-up flaws and imperfections and aren’t necessarily corrective or restorative in nature. However, despite veneers being more of a cosmetic option for patients, they can improve the overall look and aesthetic appeal of your smile, boosting your self-esteem and giving you the confidence to smile again. Veneers are incredibly thin, so most patients who have them don’t even know they’re there.
What Can Veneers Correct?
Veneers can be used to cover small and even large imperfections at the front of your smile. These thin porcelain shells are permanently attached to your teeth, covering any and all flaws that might cause you to feel bad about your appearance. Prior to having dental veneers placed on your teeth, you’ll need a consultation and exam to determine if the procedure is right for you. Most people who want veneers and feel they’d benefit from them can have the procedure done quickly and effortlessly.
Some imperfections and flaws that veneers can correct include:
- Discoloration
- Staining
- Chipped Teeth
- Small Cracks
- “Gummy” Smiles
- Uneven Teeth
- Dark, Unsightly Teeth
Porcelain veneers are matched to your existing teeth, allowing them to look completely natural. You may want veneers as a permanent option to enhance your smile or you may be looking for veneers because you have an upcoming wedding, class reunion or important event or performance that relies on you looking your best. Most patients with veneers love the way that their smile looks so much after being restored that they can’t live without their new cosmetic restorations.
How to Care for Your Veneers
Veneers are attached to the front of your teeth using a permanent dental cement. This allows the thin porcelain shells to attach fully to the enamel, creating a secure and lasting adhesion. Once the veneers are permanently attached, they are there to stay and can last for about 10 years before you can either have them removed or replaced as needed. However, despite veneers being durable and lasting, special attention needs to be taken to ensure they do not become loose or fall out. You can brush your veneers as you would any of your other teeth. When flossing, be extra careful when pushing and pulling the string floss between veneered teeth. This will prevent the veneers from becoming loose, chipping or cracking.
The beauty about veneers is that other than being careful when flossing your teeth, you can treat them as you would any other tooth. Some patients try to avoid using their front teeth to bite large, hard pieces of food like you’d do when biting into an apple. If, however, a veneer becomes loose or even falls out, you can have the restoration reattached using a strong adhesive dental-quality cement. If your veneer falls out, be sure to grab it and bring it in with you when visiting the office.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The veneer procedure takes a very short period of time but typically requires at least two visits. Your first visit involves buffing the front teeth down so that they provide adequate room for the porcelain veneers. Impressions, also known as molds, are taken of your front teeth and sent to a lab where the veneers are made for you. You’ll come back into the office once the veneers have been made and will have them carefully attached to the front teeth. Slight adjustments may be necessary to get the veneers to look and feel natural and comfortable. After the procedure is finished, you can enjoy a bright, beautiful new smile that required no surgery, incisions or sutures.
For men and women living in Franklin Square, NY, dental veneers are a great way to enhance your smile and cover imperfections that would otherwise require a lot of treatment to fix. Veneers are long-lasting, durable and require little to no aftercare. You will benefit from feeling great about your new smile and will find that veneers help to boost your self-esteem and confidence in smiling.
