Afraid veneers will give off that “fake” look? No fear! Veneers simply make your natural teeth look better.
Thanks to advances in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can improve your smile and bite while also retaining your natural teeth. Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic procedure to enhance a brighter smile while preserving most of your natural teeth.
Veneers coat your teeth with a substance that matches your tooth color and corrects many dental problems, including discolored, chipped, cracked, or oddly spaced teeth. Espire Dental has been enhancing our patients’ smiles for years with veneers, and our professionals can tell you more about the procedure.
But Are Veneers Fake?
Veneers are not “fake” teeth. They’re far from it! Veneers make your natural teeth whiter and straighter. Because you see your front teeth every day in the mirror, your front row of teeth is best suited for veneers. Those teeth can make (or break) your smile. You can treat one tooth or several teeth with one of two types of veneers:
Porcelain Veneers. To prepare your tooth for a porcelain veneer, your dentist will use a rotating grinding device called a bur to shave down a little bit of enamel on your tooth. A local anesthetic will dull any pain, and most of your tooth remains intact as you’re only losing a minimal amount of enamel.
To create a porcelain veneer, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth with a mold. The mold is then sent to a laboratory where the veneer is created. As you wait for the permanent veneer, you’ll be fitted with a temporary one. The permanent veneers are then cemented to your natural teeth. The whole process may take two office visits. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.
Composite Resin. If you want a quicker turnaround, you can consider composite resin veneers. Less of your natural enamel is removed to make way for the composite resin veneer, too.
Once the tooth surface is cleaned and prepped, the dentist applies the composite resin to the tooth. A high-intensity light hardens the composite resin. Your dentist will polish and trim the tooth for a natural-looking color and shape. All this can be done in one appointment.
Composite resin veneers offer less longevity than porcelain ones, usually lasting between five to seven years. But they are less costly than the porcelain versions. A chipped composite resin veneer is easier to repair than the porcelain ones, which would need to be replaced if damaged.
Taking Care of Your Veneers
Veneers are very real in one sense — you must take care of them as you would your natural teeth! That means brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Since most of your natural tooth remains, your teeth are still prone to bacteria and decay.
Maintaining veneers involves a few extra precautions. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to extend the life of your veneers.
Protect Your Veneers. Don’t bite on hard objects or foods that could break or chip the veneer. And never use your teeth to open a package.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth. Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth while you sleep. The constant grinding can deteriorate the veneers.
Watch for Stains. Although veneers are generally stain-resistant, you may still want to avoid coffee, tea, and wine to keep the veneers pearly white, or at least brush after you’ve had a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Get Your Best Smile!
Schedule an appointment at Espire’s La Mesa location today! Our highly trained dentists can discuss the advantages of veneers with you. Don’t live near our La Mesa, California office? Find one of our other locations near you.
La Mesa, CA
8555 Fletcher Parkway
Suite 102
La Mesa, CA 91942