Understanding Dental Veneers
If you are planning to receive dental veneers, you may be concerned about the cosmetic application and how it will affect your teeth.
Here is a bit of information about veneers to help you better understand them.
What Dental Issues Can Veneers Correct?
Veneers are designed to mask cosmetic dental issues. They are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, so irregularities are hidden from view.
Dental veneers can be applied to correct the appearance of discoloration, wide gaps, irregular shapes, cracks, and dental misalignments. Each veneer is a tooth-shaped, microthin piece of resin or porcelain that offers a natural-looking cosmetic result.
Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
An application of veneers does not damage the teeth. However, the teeth are altered before veneers are placed.
In preparation of a veneer's placement, a bit of tooth material is removed. This removal helps ensure that the veneer sits flush with the natural bite pattern so that the device looks completely natural.
Do Veneers Cause Decay?
Dental veneers do not cause tooth decay. However, it is still important to brush and floss properly once a veneer is in place. Although the veneer itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth material can still be demineralized by bacterial acids, resulting in cavities and compromising the dental veneer's attachment to the tooth.
Do Veneers Require Regular Replacement?
Veneers are considered permanent, so they do not require regular replacement. However, they can be damaged from extreme bite pressure, dental grinding, or a blow to the mouth.
Also, a veneer may require replacement if the gums recede. Gum recession often occurs as a person grows older. Once the gums recede, the space between the top of the veneer and the gums widens. Thus, a new, longer veneer may be needed to fully cover the underlying tooth.
A damaged veneer can easily be repaired or replaced.
What Are Temporary Veneers?
While your permanent veneers are being fabricated in a dental laboratory, your dental provider may provide you with temporary veneers. Temporary veneers give you the opportunity to preview what it is like to have veneers indefinitely. These veneers look similar to your permanent veneers but are only bonded to the teeth temporarily.
While you are wearing temporary veneers, your dentist may ask you to avoid overly hard or chewy foods. You may also be asked to refrain from ingesting deeply pigmented items.
For more information about dental veneers or to receive dental veneer services, schedule a consultation with dentist in your local area.