What Should Patients Know About Dental Veneers?

15 December 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Many people agree that a smile is the best accessory. However, some people are self-conscious about their smiles. If you have uneven teeth, ridged teeth or teeth that have suffered cracks or chips, you may not feel like smiling. Fortunately, a dentist can install dental veneers in your mouth. Veneers will allow you to have the smile of your dreams without extensive orthodontic treatment. Here are a few facts patients should know about dental veneers.

1. Dental veneers are permanently bonded to teeth.

Dental veneers are not a temporary accessory. They are dental prosthetics that are permanently bonded to your teeth using dental adhesive. Before applying dental veneers, your dentist will use a drill to score the enamel of your teeth, which creates a rough texture. This rough texture encourages a strong bond between your teeth and the veneers. You cannot choose to have your veneers removed at a later time, so it's important to be sure of your decision before going ahead with the procedure.

2. Dental veneers can hide small gaps between teeth.

Teeth are not always perfectly aligned. Orthodontic treatment can allow an orthodontist to change the alignment of your teeth using braces or clear aligners. However, these treatments can take up to 18 months to take full effect. If you want to fix a minor alignment issue, such as a small gap between two teeth, dental veneers can allow you to do so. By applying dental veneers close together, dentists can remove the appearance of gaps between teeth.

3. Dental veneers' color cannot be changed.

Dental veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. Your dentist will design their shape and color to be a perfect match for your natural teeth. However, you should keep in mind that your veneers' color cannot be changed after manufacture. Tooth whitening treatments will have no effect on porcelain veneers, so it's important that you choose a shade that you're happy with. If you plan to have your teeth whitened, it's wise to do so before seeing a dentist for your dental veneer consultation.

4. Dental veneers must be cared for properly.

Once your dental veneers are installed, you can care for them the way you'd care for your natural teeth. Although veneers are not very susceptible to decay, they can still collect plaque and tartar that can harm your tooth and gum health. Brush your veneers and floss between them regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.