More than half of Americans feel insecure about their smiles. Veneers are a great way to improve your self-confidence and feel better about your appearance. Contact Woburn Dental Associates for an appointment today.
To begin the veneers process, you’ll need to meet with one of our dentists for a comprehensive consultation. At your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your smile with you, and explore your options for cosmetic dentistry, including veneers. If you’re approved, you’ll schedule a follow-up and be sent home.
At your next appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and numb the treatment area. Then, they will use a dental drill to remove a small amount of material from each tooth that is being treated with a veneer. This ensures the veneers fit properly into your smile. Then, impressions will be taken of the teeth, and sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be made. You will go home with a set of temporary veneers to protect your newly-prepared teeth.
At the dental lab, a technician will create lifelike, natural veneers that match your existing teeth and your smile perfectly, and will provide you with a beautiful smile. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Once your veneers arrive at Woburn Dental, you’ll come back for a final appointment. Your dentist will check the fit of the veneers to ensure they look perfect. Then, your veneers will be permanently attached to your teeth.
This depends on how well you care for your teeth and your veneers. The typical lifespan for a veneer is between 10-20 years. This is longer than any other type of cosmetic dental treatment, so veneers are definitely a good long-term investment in your smile.
To make sure your veneers last a long time, the most important thing to do is to brush and floss regularly. This keeps your underlying teeth healthy and free of decay. You should also see your dentist at Woburn Dental Associates for a checkup every six months to make sure your veneers are in good shape.
If you have cosmetic problems with your smile but your mouth is healthy, you are likely a good candidate for veneers. However, if you have any oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, or other such problems, these must be resolved before you can get cosmetic dental care. To find out if you’re a good candidate for veneers, get in touch with Woburn Dental Associates to schedule a cosmetic consultation right away.
There are a wide variety of dental imperfections that can be addressed with veneers by covering them with porcelain shells. Veneers bond to the front surface of your teeth and provide you with a white, straight set of teeth that are uniform in size and shape. Veneers can cover the following problems:
However, there are limits to veneers. Veneers can only be used to cover up minor cosmetic issues with your teeth, not severe damage, decay, or orthodontic issues. If you have any active tooth decay, gum disease, severe malocclusions, or dental trauma, you will need to have these problems treated before getting veneers.
Veneers last for an average of 10-15 years. However, these tips will help you extend the longevity of your veneers before needing to replace them.
Oral Hygiene - One of the best ways to care for your veneers is to care for the health of your teeth. After all, just because your teeth are covered doesn’t mean you’re immune to tooth decay or gum disease.
It’s crucial to practice good oral hygiene so you don’t trap bacteria between your teeth and veneers, which can mean needing to replace them. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use a soft-bristle toothbrush that isn’t too abrasive.
Floss at least once a day and remember to brush your tongue. Don’t neglect visits to the dentist. Regular dental cleanings every 6 months keep your teeth healthy and reduce surface stains.
Reducing Wear and Tear - Veneers are made of porcelain, a material which is prone to chipping, cracking, and wearing down. To get the most out of your veneers, you’ll need to eliminate as many sources of wear and tear as possible. If you grind your teeth, always wear a mouthguard when you sleep. You should also wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or chew on anything that isn’t food.
Diet - Stay away from excessively hard, crunchy, and sticky foods which can break or dislodge your veneers. This includes hard candies, popcorn, caramel, ice, gum, and nuts. You should also try to reduce your consumption of staining foods and drinks. You can also reduce your contact with staining drinks by drinking through a straw.
While porcelain is highly stain-resistant and therefore much less likely to become stained than your natural teeth, it can still become discolored over time. You should avoid smoking and consuming staining foods and drinks, such as:
Over 90% of American adults have had a cavity at some point in their lives.