Dental veneers are a thin layer of material which are placed over the outer surface of a tooth to either improve the esthetic quality of the tooth itself or to help protect the tooth's surface from damage. The veneers, which are adhered to the surface of the tooth using high-quality dental cement, are shaped and sculpted to form a perfect replica of the tooth, which creates the illusion of a faultless tooth. With the advancement in technology and the improvement of the quality of veneers, veneers will last decades and are strong enough to withstand the normal rigors placed on a regular tooth. While there are cases of them having to be replaced earlier, typically with proper care, dental veneers are a long term solution to many tooth problems.
Dental veneers come in two forms. The first is a composite dental veneer and the second is made of dental porcelain. The differences between the two are not profound, and it is often a matter of preference as to which method we select for your mouth. Dental porcelain veneers are always sent out to the laboratory for fabrication by a skilled dental technician. Like with all things, many of our patients have questions about dental veneers and here are some of the more commonly asked questions...
Do you know how long dental veneers will last?
This is very much a relative question. Typically dental veneers will last anywhere from seven to thirty years. This is such a broad spectrum because it depends on a number of factors. First dental veneers are like anything else, the better you take care of them the longer they will last. Second dental veneers themselves are inanimate, but they are part of your mouth which is anything but. As your mouth changes you may need different veneers but they will typically last at least a decade.
How does having dental veneers affect my oral health routines?
Dental veneers are no different from having regular, naturally occurring, enamel teeth. They require the same kind of care, and since your other teeth are normal teeth anyway we encourage you to follow a regular routine of brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. We do recommend a change in consumption habits if you have teeth that stain easily, however. This is because products like coke, tea, and coffee tend to stain teeth relatively easily and could alter the color of your natural teeth and remember that porcelain veneers do not stain. This means that if your other teeth stain, you will have a mismatched set.
Do dental veneers cause cavities?
There is no evidence to show that dental veneers affect decay in any way. Veneers should be taken care of like regular teeth, to reduce the risk of one of your other teeth decaying.
If you have questions about dental veneers and how they can improve the appearance of your teeth, call and schedule a dental exam. We can use this solution to close gaps in between your teeth, change their shape and size, and even make them appear straighter.
