Many adult patients are less than thrilled with the appearance of their smile. They may have minor misalignment, discoloration, or even teeth that are damaged or broken. In some cases, patients don’t know where to start for cosmetic dental improvements. In others, they fear that the treatments, or combination of treatments, would be painful or expensive.
Dr. Richard Weigand has helped many patients in Spokane, WA, improve their smiles with a full suite of cosmetic dental services. He advises patients that porcelain veneers are often a fast and effective way to make their smile, and their confidence, sparkle again.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can change the appearance of your smile. Veneers are made of very thin strips of porcelain, which are then permanently bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers are often used to address or hide flaws and imperfections of your teeth such as misalignment, chips or breaks, staining, or misshaped teeth. Veneers can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to other restorative or cosmetic treatments.
Will people notice that I have dental veneers?
Porcelain veneers reflect light and are custom shaded to match the remaining teeth. Further, before the veneer is placed, a small amount of the tooth’s enamel is removed which allows the veneer to fit properly. Therefore, veneers are very natural-looking for most patients.
How do I care for dental veneers?
Porcelain veneers, though very thin, are strong and durable. With the right care, they can last for many years. However, there are things that patients with dental veneers will need to consider in order to keep their dental veneers in great shape.
- Brush and floss: Just like natural teeth, dental veneers require daily brushing and flossing to remove food particles that could damage the teeth.
- Protect your teeth: Veneers can be damaged if patients use their teeth to open packages or if they have a habit of biting or chewing on things like sourdough pretzels, ice, or pens. Patients should also avoid grinding or clenching their teeth. If you suspect that you grind your teeth subconsciously or while sleeping, talk to your dentist about using a mouth guard at night to keep your veneers from becoming worn or chipped.
- Kick bad habits: While porcelain does not stain, patients should remember that teeth that have not had a veneer placed are still susceptible to discoloration. If you have veneers on some teeth, but not all you may notice a difference in color over time.
- Get regular checkups: As a dental restoration, your veneers should be checked by a professional dentist regularly. This can be done at your twice-annual check up appointment. Your dentist will double check the veneer to ensure that the bonding is tight and that the veneers are not cracked or chipped. If a problem is found, it’s important to address it right away. Often with dental issues, the earlier they are treated, the faster, less costly, and less invasive the treatment will be.
For more information about dental veneers or other cosmetic dental services, call the office of Dr. Weigand at [phone] today.