In years past, the smile you were born with was the smile you were stuck with for life. Fortunately, that's not the case today. Cosmetic Dentistry-- which is dentistry that is aimed at improving the appearance of a person's smile-- has become increasingly common over the last several years. Simply put: if you're unhappy with your teeth, cosmetic dentistry might very well be able to give you the smile you've always dreamed of. One potential cosmetic treatment option-- dental veneers-- has the potential to completely transform your smile. Dental veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth. They're typically made of resin composite materials or porcelain. Let's consider some things you might not know about veneers below:
They can fix multiple concerns. If you think veneers are just for people who want a whiter smile, you better think again. In fact, dental veneers-- often called porcelain veneers-- can address multiple concerns related to the aesthetics of your smile. In addition to treating discolored teeth, veneers are often used to fix the following:
- Worn down, flat teeth. Teeth are commonly worn down due to bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of the teeth. Dental veneers are extremely effective at correcting worn down teeth, giving patients a restored smile and renewed confidence.
- Gaps between teeth. For patients with large spaces between the teeth, veneers can effectively close those gaps.
- Irregularly shaped teeth. Patients with irregularly shaped or misaligned teeth might find that dental veneers are an excellent treatment option for them.
- Broken, chipped, and fractured teeth. Teeth that are broken or fractured due to injury can be restored with porcelain veneers.
They can accomplish several tasks at once. For patients who are hoping to correct a number of issues with their teeth, veneers are often a practical way to accomplish these tasks without multiple procedures. For example, veneers give patients a whiter smile while also reshaping the teeth, filling in any existing gaps, and even changing the shape of the entire face. In order to achieve these results without veneers, patients would likely have to consider a combination of treatment options, like teeth whitening, bonding, and braces.
They are durable. When well taken care of, veneers can last more than a decade. Fortunately, veneer care is not complicated; you simply brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. While abrasive toothpastes should be avoided, veneers are known for their durability. Another added bonus is that dental veneers are resistant to stains. Thus, patients can indulge in their favorite foods and drinks without worrying about staining their new pearly whites.
They look natural. If you're considering dental veneers, you don't have to worry about the end result looking more like a mouth full of Chiclets than a natural smile. Skilled dentists are able to blend veneers in with the natural teeth, matching them in both shape and color, so that they are indistinguishable from your existing teeth. In fact, the only way someone will know that you have veneers is if you decide to share the news with them!
They can reduce sensitivity. Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity, which typically presents as sensitivity to extreme temperatures and sweets. A little known fact is that veneers can actually reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity. This is because they provide a new layer of enamel, thereby creating an additional barrier against the foods and drinks that result in sensitivity.
If you're considering dental veneers or any other cosmetic treatment options and would like more information, contact us today. We would welcome the opportunity to give you the smile you've always dreamed of!