As you get older, you may notice that your teeth are looking a little worse for wear. Despite being vigilant with your dental care routine, damage, discolouration and misalignment can still happen. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile for one reason or another, there are plenty of dental solutions you can explore with your dentist. Fortunately, dental veneers are a viable option and there are a lot of benefits to going down this route. Whether you need dental veneers for you or for someone you know, this is an effective solution to your dental problems.
Dental Problems That Can Be Fixed with Porcelain Veneers
Constructed from composite materials or porcelain, veneers are highly durable, stain resistant and are made to mimic the exact look of your surrounding teeth so they blend right in. No one will ever know that you’ve had any cosmetic dental work done unless you tell them.
Although teeth are considered the strongest structures in your entire body, they can still be prone to damage. Teeth are often exposed to a wide variety of different chemicals, acids and sugary substances from food and beverages, not to mention the fact that they may experience injuries in our lifetimes. Falling down, playing contact sports, vehicular accidents or even physical assault can all lead to some potentially serious dental damage.
So, are dental veneers worth it?
The answer depends largely on the type of dental problem you’re having and whether your dentist recommends dental veneers or another form of treatment. With that in mind, here are five ways in which dental veneers can transform your teeth and smile.
1. Broken or Damaged Teeth
Porcelain veneers are designed to look exactly like your natural teeth while covering up the cracked or chipped tooth. During your initial consultation, the dentist will consult with a special colour chart and find the shade that matches as closely as possible to your other teeth. They will have to trim down jagged portions of the existing damaged tooth to get a better fit for the porcelain veneer and take an impression to make the veneers. At the next appointment the dentist will then carefully attach the porcelain veneer that matches with your other teeth using a special dental adhesive. This is a simple, quick and minimally invasive procedure that provides excellent results.
2. Correct Misalignment in Teeth
Dental veneers can also be used to straighten misaligned teeth formations. Misaligned or misshapen teeth can cause a great deal of discomfort, pain and sensitivity. In extreme cases, they can even lead to more serious dental issues like periodontitis or infection down the line. It’s better to correct this issue sooner rather than later to prevent that from happening.
Aside from the physical discomfort, having crooked teeth can also diminish your confidence and pride in your appearance. Placing dental veneers can give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted and help you fall in love with your smile again.
3. Close Gaps Between Teeth
Braces were traditionally used to close gaps between teeth and correct misalignments. In more recent years, Invisalign has also been introduced and marketed as a viable option for adults with dental issues. Although these are both excellent options, they’re not always feasible for a number of reasons.
Adults generally aren’t too keen on the idea of wearing braces for fear that they won’t be taken seriously and orthodontic treatment can be expensive. Plus, these treatments generally take a few months to take effect. The obvious solution is to opt for dental veneers because they’re less expensive and deliver fast results.
4. Strengthen and Restore Structural Integrity of Teeth
Tooth enamel is meant to act as a protective barrier for your teeth against cracking, surface scratches, and plaque caused by lingering bacteria and food particles. Unfortunately, tooth enamel isn’t indestructible and is subject to erosion if you don’t take care of your teeth. Eating too many sugary and acidic foods can also completely wear away your tooth enamel over time.
The worst part is that tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good and it can’t be restored. When that happens, harmful bacteria can penetrate the surface of your teeth and cause internal tooth decay and cavities. Not only does this destroy the structural integrity of your teeth, but it’s a sign of bad times ahead. Symptoms include mild to immense pain and sensitivity while chewing or general discomfort. Before the problem progresses to that level, you should consider how dental veneers can help.
Aside from improving the aesthetic look of your smile, dental veneers can also add a sound structural integrity to your teeth, prevent plaque formations, and prevent cavities—as long as you take special care of them, of course!
5. Create a Brighter, Healthier Smile
As mentioned, dental veneers are designed to mimic the exact look and feel of your surrounding teeth. After performing a thorough dental cleaning, your dentist will then find the correct shade that matches closely to your teeth. Yellow, discoloured teeth can be improved with veneers. Multiple dental veneers can be installed in the same appointment if that’s what you prefer.
Even though tooth whitening is an important and effective part of any dental care routine, sometimes it’s not enough—especially if your tooth discolouration is a direct side effect of medication or a dental procedure.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last on Front Teeth?
As long as you follow the proper care instructions provided by your dentist, your dental veneers should last you anywhere between 10 to 15 years before requiring replacements. No-prep veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years. Of course, your dentist will also advise you during your regular six-month checkups if there are any issues.
Dental Veneer Teeth Transformations
At Princeview Dental Group, we take great pride in helping our clients transform their smiles and promote healthy dental practices in their personal lives. We provide a variety of dental services at our clinic including installing dental veneers and we’re always accepting new patients! Contact us to book an appointment.
