Dental Veneers in Greenville, TX
Thanks to always improving dental technology, many ways are available to improve the appearance of damaged or stained teeth. There is no longer a need to hide your teeth behind your hand or suppress your personality for fear of showing them. One of the least expensive ways to fix your teeth is with dental veneers.
A veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored materials that is custom-made and made to fit the contours of your teeth. This can be used to enhance your smile, as well as to provide strength and resilience similar to natural tooth enamel. They can be made to match the exact shape of your teeth. Dental veneers can either be made from porcelain, or resin composite material.
With all the alternatives for repairing teeth, why should you decide to use veneers to improve their appearance? One reason is that it is an easier, less invasive process. If you choose to cap your teeth, that can involve reshaping teeth so that the crowns fit properly. Crowns are also much more expensive than veneers and take longer for a laboratory to make.
Our dentist at Graham Family Dental & Spa will take precise measurements of your teeth so that the material they use to make the veneers can be cut to fit over the teeth. The veneers help smaller teeth look bigger, hide gaps between teeth, hide chips or cracks, and cover badly stained teeth.
Veneers are thin pieces of material shaped to cover teeth to hide flaws like stains or chips. Most veneers consist of porcelain or composite resin.
Our dentist in Greenville, TX, likes using porcelain to make veneers because:
- They are durable
- Their surfaces look like natural teeth
- They don’t stain easily
- Less enamel needs removing from teeth than for crowns
Composite resin is also used for veneers because:
- Less enamel needs to be removed than with porcelain veneers
- They usually don’t require more than one visit to the dentist
- They are easier and quicker to repair than porcelain
- They are less expensive than porcelain veneers
Brushing and flossing should be done the same way as regular teeth. Good daily brushing habits, as well as the use of fluoride toothpaste that is not abrasive, are important. Limit coffee consumption and other stain-inducing foods. No matter how good you take care of your veneers, they will eventually need to be replaced. However, proper oral hygiene can help them last as long as possible.
Veneers can be a good investment if you want to alter how your teeth look. If you take good care of them and don’t grind your teeth, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing. If you have “no-prep” or composite veneers, then they will last five to seven years.
If you’re interested in learning more about veneers and want to know if they are right for you, contact Graham Family Dental & Spa to consult with our dentist about them.
Can dental veneers be removed if I change my mind later?
Once dental veneers are placed, they are considered a permanent solution because a portion of the tooth enamel is removed to fit the veneer. While veneers themselves can technically be removed or replaced, the process cannot restore the original tooth enamel that was removed. Our dentist can provide you with alternatives and discuss long-term commitments before proceeding.
How do I prevent my veneers from chipping or falling off?
To prevent damage to your dental veneers, avoid biting on hard objects like pens, ice, or nails. Treat them as you would your natural teeth with regular oral hygiene. Using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night and visiting our dentist regularly for check-ups can also help maintain your veneers' longevity and condition.
Will my teeth be sensitive after getting veneers?
Some people may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the veneer procedure as a small amount of enamel is removed. This typically dissipates after a few days. If sensitivity persists, consult our dentist for possible solutions and to ensure everything is settling as expected.
Can I still get cavities with veneers?
Yes, teeth with veneers can still get cavities. Veneers cover only the front surface of your teeth, so decay can still occur at the gum line or between the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital to protecting your teeth and the investment you've made in your veneers.
How do veneers affect my oral hygiene routine?
Your oral hygiene routine should not change dramatically with veneers. You'll still need to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. However, you might want to opt for a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain the polish and avoid scratching the veneers.