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Tips for Taking Care of Porcelain Veneers

You have made an investment to achieve that picture-perfect smile with porcelain veneers, but those amazing results won’t last forever without the right care plan. You will need to take extra good care of your teeth and gums after getting veneers because any dental problems can take their toll on the veneers. Since veneers are attached to your teeth, any gum or hygiene problems can be even more problematic because the gum tissues can swell and become puffy. Your cosmetic dentist and general dentist will provide you with a care plan after treatment, but it’s up to you to take good care of your oral health and your new teeth.

Polishing Veneers

A dental hygienist can polish your teeth and veneers about once every three or four months. You will need a dental visit for this polishing session because the hygienist will use special tools and cleaning solutions to buff and clean your teeth and veneers thoroughly. Make sure you’re keeping up with your regular brushing and flossing routine between dental visits and you’ll enjoy your results for years to come.

Managing Activities

Porcelain veneers do act just like regular teeth but that doesn’t mean they can withstand an excessive amount of pressure. Avoid biting down hard on bones, hair pins, or even chewing your fingernails. Chewing on ice can be very damaging to your teeth and can chip or break your veneers. If you participate in sports, wear a mouth protector when you’re on the field.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

One of the common questions people have when deciding if they should get veneers is, how long do porcelain veneers last? Veneers continue to be one of the most popular options for a smile makeover and are also among the most affordable treatments available. Porcelain veneers look natural and the bonding material doesn’t wear down easily. In fact, the dentist can create such a tight seal that your veneers could potentially last your entire lifetime.

When Are Dental Veneers the Best Solution for Your Smile?

Many people interested in getting a smile makeover turn to dental veneers, a treatment option that promises to align and shape teeth to create a more attractive smile. The durable, ceramic-like quality of dental veneers helps to create a very natural look and offers a number of options for people with chipped or cracked teeth, or those with uneven teeth. But are dental veneers the best solution for a healthy and attractive looking smile? Here are some things to consider when you are researching different cosmetic dentistry treatment options:

How Dental Veneers Work

Dental veneers are wafer-thin laminates made out of synthetic materials, and are custom-made to fit the size and shape of your existing teeth. These shells are bonded directly to the front surface of the teeth to create an even appearance, and can be resurfaced and shaped to create a picture-perfect smile. The most popular types of veneers are porcelain veneers. These veneers are very strong and durable, and are relatively resistant to chipping, cracking and discoloration. They also help to create a more natural appearance because they are somewhat translucent.
After the initial consultation and examination is performed, the dentist will reshape and prepare the front surface of the teeth so that they can accommodate for the veneers. At this stage, the dentist may use a special dental drill to shave off some of the teeth so that the veneer can sit flat on top of the tooth. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken by placing a special putty into the mouth on a tray. This process creates an imprint of the teeth, and this mold is sent off to a dental laboratory. The lab fabricates a set of veneers based on the mold pattern, and once complete, the dentist will attach the fabricated veneers directly onto the teeth using a special cementing solution.
Some dentists offer patients a set of temporary veneers while the real veneers are being made to protect the teeth between treatments.
Reasons to Get Dental Veneers
Some of the key reasons and benefits to get dental veneers include:
  • Worn enamel
  • Discolored teeth
  • Chips and cracks
  • Abnormal spacing between teeth
  • Uneven teeth from teeth grinding
In addition to protecting the surface of a damaged tooth, dental veneers can eliminate the need for more invasive dental treatments such as a dental crown or even composite bonding. Once the veneers have been secured into place, they do not require any major reshaping or touch-up treatments. Dental veneers are also very thin, so they often do not look very artificial.
Dental Veneers vs. Composite Bonding
Many dentists will recommend composite bonding instead of dental veneers when you have a chipped or cracked front tooth, or need a “quick fix” solution for gaps and discoloration. Bonding is an inexpensive and effective form of tooth restoration, but dental veneers are often more appropriate for teeth that is severely discolored, chipped or for uneven teeth.
Learn more about dental veneers in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic dentist in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for a smile makeover with veneers.

Contact Us

J. Anthony “Tony” Kososki, DDS, FAGD

304 S. Cottonwood Drive, Suite C – Location #1

Richardson, TX 75080

Phone (214) 446-1946

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