What You Need to Know About Dental Veneers

Everyone has a beautiful smile, but unfortunately, not everyone has straight teeth. Some people have chipped teeth or had broken teeth repaired but there is a difference in the color. There are a variety of cosmetic issues that can make people feel uncomfortable or not as confident as possible when it comes to the appearance of their teeth. But the good news is that there are solutions!

At Primary Dental care in Wheat Ridge, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry, including dental veneers. If you aren’t entirely confident with your smile, our dentists and team of dental hygienists are here to help. We offer a full range of dental services, from regular cleanings to orthodontics to emergency dental needs. If you want to learn more about veneers, keep reading, or schedule an appointment with our team today!

Five Things to Know About Dental Veneers

What Are Veneers?

Just as the name implies, veneers are a thin covering that is placed over the front of the natural tooth. They are typically made of porcelain, which is a strong and durable material. Before placing the veneers, dentists usually remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth. You can also decide which shade of white for the veneers. This will ensure that there is a natural feel and look to the veneers. The entire process takes a couple of visits, but when it’s done, you will have a beautiful smile with bright white and straight teeth.

They’re Not Required for the Entire Mouth

Many people believe that veneers are only applied to all of the teeth in the mouth. While this is possible and will ensure that there is a cohesive look and feel to the teeth, it is also possible for veneers to be applied to just one or two teeth. This is often done when one tooth is chipped or broken. It’s a cost-effective way of improving your smile without spending the money to veneer all 32 teeth that are in your mouth.

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Porcelain

Veneers can be made from a composite material, but are most often made of porcelain. There are many advantages to using porcelain, but there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before scheduling an appointment with your dentist to have them applied.

• The Good: Porcelain is strong, long-lasting, has a natural-looking appearance, and only a
  small amount of enamel needs to be removed from the teeth. One of the biggest advantages is that porcelain is great at resisting stains.
• The Not-so-Good: The biggest disadvantage is that porcelain can chip and crack just like your natural teeth. If you have issues with grinding or teeth or enjoy certain hard foods that can damage your teeth, it’s best to address these issues before getting veneers. If they do become chipped, your dentist can fix them with dental contouring; however, if the damage is bad enough, then an entirely new veneer will need to be made.

Caring For Veneers

Just after the procedure, there may be some gum discomfort and tooth sensitivity, but any pain or discomfort will go away within a few days. After you have settled into having veneers, you will care for them as you would your natural teeth. You will need to brush twice a day and continue to floss. Brushing will ensure that stains are prevented and will keep your gums healthy. Be careful with the foods you eat as well, such as hard candy or crunchy foods. Veneers typically last between 15 and 20 years with regular wear and tear. At that point, a new set will need to be made and applied.

Are Dental Veneers Right For You?

Dental veneers are a great solution if you have chipped teeth, gaps, discolored, worn down teeth, or even misalignments. However, they aren’t right for everyone. If you grind or clench your teeth, if there is structural damage to the teeth, severe tooth crowding, gum disease, or excessive cavities, then veneers may not be the best fit for your mouth.

Contact Primary Dental in Wheat Ridge to Learn More!

If you want to improve your smith with dental veneers, schedule an appointment with the dentist at Primary Dental. We can complete an exam of your mouth, talk about your dental history, and answer any questions you may have about the process, caring for veneers, or anything else. We’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.