What are veneers?
Veneers are very thin shells made to cover the front surface of your teeth. They effectively hide cosmetic problems, but they’re also strong enough to restore and strengthen damaged teeth.
Although veneers can be made from composite resin, porcelain is preferred because it looks more like your natural teeth, resists staining, and is very strong.
What dental problems do veneers correct?
Your provider may recommend veneers to:
- Conceal stained or discolored teeth
- Cover uneven or crooked teeth
- Hide gaps between teeth
- Strengthen teeth weakened by eroded enamel
- Repair cracked or chipped teeth
Veneers also give you a way to hide minor orthodontic problems. They can make teeth look straight without using aligners.
How are veneers applied?
Getting a porcelain veneer is a two-step process. First, your provider completes a dental checkup to ensure you don’t have problems like cavities that need to be fixed before getting veneers.
For porcelain veneers, your dentist preps the targeted teeth. They create just enough room for the veneer by removing a very small amount of enamel from your affected tooth.
Then your provider creates an impression of your teeth or tooth, which is used to make the veneers. You’ll wear temporary coverings over your teeth until your veneers are ready. After checking to be sure the new veneers are a perfect fit, your dentist permanently bonds them to your teeth.
How long will veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are extremely strong, and with proper care, they can last for decades. Just like your natural enamel, however, they can become chipped or cracked. You may also need to replace your veneers if your gums recede.
Follow these tips to make your veneers last as long as possible:
- Practice good oral hygiene (brush and floss at least twice daily)
- Wear a mouth guard if you engage in contact sports
- Don’t use your teeth to tear open a package
- Don’t bite or chew hard objects
- Get treatment for teeth grinding
If your veneers develop a crack or chip, schedule a checkup with the team at Elevated Dentistry of Charlottesville. A break in the veneer may let food and bacteria get under the veneer and into your tooth.
Whether you want to make cosmetic changes in your smile or repair a damaged tooth, call Elevated Dentistry of Charlottesville to learn about veneers or book an appointment online today.
