At Team Popp Dental, we strive to provide treatment options for all of our patients to get the beautiful smile they deserve. Modern orthodontics has come a long way, so treatment is more comfortable, shorter, and requires fewer appointments to get the best results. One of the major developments in modern orthodontics has been the rise in the popularity of veneers. They’re a great option for patients looking for a low-invasive procedure for better teeth. In this post, we’ll go over some of the benefits of veneers and the necessary requirements for successful treatment.
What Are Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin cosmetic tool that’s bonded to the front of the teeth. When paired together, the shape and color of the individual veneers create the appearance of straighter teeth.
Depending on the size of your jaw, the placement of your veneers and the number you need vary on average. However, single veneers are occasionally used for specific teeth with aesthetic concerns such as staining or chipped enamel. Several veneers are placed along your upper and lower front teeth that show when you smile. This is also known as the “smile zone.” This is the targeted area for veneers during treatment.
Who Qualifies For Veneers?
Veneers are ideal for patients who want to enhance the appearance of their healthy smile. So, if you have teeth with small gaps between them, mild to moderate crowding, uneven edges, or misshaped enamel, veneers could be the best and fastest solution to get the smile that you’re looking for.
Before deciding to get veneers, there are some things to know. While veneers are a great option for straighter teeth, There are some conditions your teeth must meet before veneer treatment can begin. These criteria are that your teeth are fully developed (adults only) and free of active decay or gum disease. If any infection is present, that area will need to be treated before initiating any type of smile makeover measures.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Generally speaking, most options for veneers are permanent. They are designed to remain in place for the rest of your life. They can last between 10-20 years, and if one of your veneers ever loosens, wears out, or breaks, you’ll need to have it replaced. You can never have the treatment reversed. Since your tooth is slightly adjusted to make room for the veneer, you don’t want to leave it without some type of a protective cover. Otherwise your teeth can become sensitive, stain easily, or not look the way you want them to.
However, alternative veneers such as “no prep” designs can be removed at any time. They are bonded directly over fully intact teeth, so there’s no adjustment to your natural tooth shape. But not everyone qualifies for no prep veneers, so it’s important to discuss your concerns with our dentist in advance.
What Are The Different Types Of Veneers?
Porcelain
Porcelain is the most common material used for veneers. Porcelain veneers are tooth-colored, versatile, completely custom, and can last 10 to 15 years. They are made of ceramic materials and resist stains better than composite veneers. Another advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are relatively conservative and minimally invasive (when compared to alternatives such as crowns). They are also biocompatible, which means the gum tissue and other soft tissues of the mouth usually are not negatively affected by them.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers. They are made of composite resin, a mixture of inorganic and organic materials.The bonding material used to make these veneers is the same as tooth-colored dental fillings. While strong, composite veneers are not as durable as porcelain. They can also stain more readily over time. On the other hand, composite is also more conservative than porcelain. When composite chips, the chipped area can be repaired. When porcelain chips, the entire veneer must be replaced.
Veneer Care and Maintenance
Although veneers cannot develop decay, it’s important to maintain them so that the underlying tooth stays healthy. Regular maintenance will keep your veneers looking brighter, longer. Brush your teeth with a non-abrasive toothpaste twice per day, using a soft manual or electric toothbrush. Pay particular attention to the gum lines. Next, floss around each tooth, keeping the string taught against your tooth and gently rubbing up and down the side of the veneer, extending slightly just under your gum tissues.
Plan to keep regular checkups to have your teeth and veneers cleaned, removing any build-up or stain particles that accumulated since your last scale and clean. To limit stains, try to avoid dark liquids — such as tea or coffee — and rinse your mouth out with water each time you drink them. Sipping through a straw can also help reduce stain contact with your veneers.
Wearing a night guard while you sleep can help prevent any unwanted wear or chipping (from grinding or clenching). Additionally, you’ll want to schedule routine scales and cleans to have the veneers polished and evaluated.
Enhance Your Smile With Veneers
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just a quick decision, it’s a long-term relationship that takes time and consideration. We enjoy getting to know each of our patients and giving them a personalized orthodontic experience that they love. If you’re looking for an office that offers extra service, time, and attention for you and your family, schedule a free consultation with Team Popp Dental today! Our offices in Chattanooga are ready to get you going on your smile journey.