Are you self-conscious about your teeth and smile because some of your teeth are chipped or discolored? If so, you should consider being fitted with dental veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers are an increasingly popular type of cosmetic treatment that can correct a variety of aesthetic problems.
Dental Veneers in Plymouth
The two main types of dental veneers are porcelain and composite. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The type that works best for you and your aesthetic goals can be determined at your consultation. You can have dental veneers placed on a single tooth or multiple teeth. Many patients have an entire set of veneers bonded to their more visible front teeth, helping to dramatically improve the appearance of their teeth and smile.
Dental veneers can be colored to match the appearance of your surrounding teeth, making this a very natural-looking type of restoration. Depending upon the type of veneers and materials used, dental veneers can last anywhere from five to 20 years when cared for properly. There are no food restrictions required after the placement of dental veneers.
What can dental veneers be used for?
The following are some ways that dental veneers can help improve your smile:
Change Tooth Color
As you grow older, or if you engage in certain lifestyle activities, you will find that your teeth become darker over time. The aging process, along with drinking beverages like coffee and tea, can lead to dull or yellowish teeth that negatively impact your smile.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products tend to offer disappointing results, and your teeth can again become stained. Porcelain dental veneers offer a permanently white, bright smile that is highly resistant to stains.
Change Teeth Shape
You should consider dental veneers if you find that your teeth are overly short or small, leading to feelings of self-consciousness when you smile or open your mouth. Veneers can effectively remodel your smile’s shape and even out differences.
Repair Chips
If you have small chips in your teeth, dental veneers can easily repair them and improve your smile.
Correct Gaps and Misalignment
Depending upon the degree of your misalignment, dental veneers may help to straighten your teeth, although they are not recommended for younger people for this purpose, as some tooth enamel must first be removed.
Composite Dental Veneers
Composite is the less popular of the two types of dental veneers, although it has some advantages – the main one being its relative lack of expense. Composite also requires no tooth structure removal, unlike porcelain. The composite resin used with composite veneers is similar to that used for placing tooth-colored dental fillings. Your dentist would apply the composite as a malleable material in a series of layers. They will use a special light to “cure,” or harden, the material when enough has been applied to the tooth. Finally, they will shape and polish your new veneers to a smooth finish.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
The process of receiving porcelain veneers takes a bit longer than with composite. Each of your porcelain veneers must be crafted individually in a dental lab. The entire process can take up to three weeks. Your dentist begins by filing down treated teeth and creating an impression of your teeth, which allows for the creation of a mold that is sent to a laboratory. Your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers in the meantime. Once your porcelain veneers have been sent back from the dental lab, you will return for a subsequent appointment to have them permanently bonded onto your teeth after your temporary veneers have been removed.
Porcelain vs. Composite
Each type of dental veneers has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of composite is that it is more affordable and does not require any removal of tooth structure, making it a reversible treatment. Getting composite veneers only requires one dental appointment. Porcelain is a stronger material that is much more stain resistant than composite, which can more easily become damaged and stained by things like smoking tobacco products and drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea and red wine. The main disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that they are more expensive than composite, take longer to fit, and require some removal of the underlying tooth structure.
How should I care for my new dental veneers?
Dental veneers are quite easy to care for. After you have first received your dental veneers, your gums will be slightly pushed back from fitting, so expect some initial soreness. After that, you can resume your normal oral care routine.
Dental Veneers Care Tips
• Brush and floss each day as normal.
• Maintain your regular dental cleaning appointments.
• Avoid drinking dark-colored beverages and smoking, particularly with composite veneers.
Let’s get started with Dental Veneers! Request An Appointment with a Dentist in Plymouth
Dr. Rahaf Suede, DDS at Great Lakes Smiles Dental is trusted by many patients in Plymouth and surrounding areas for comprehensive dental care. She is recognized for her high quality dental treatment and patient satisfaction. Contact her now for an appointment Call (734) 459-9360
