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Dental Veneers – Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, and Dental Care

What are Dental Veneers?

Like wood veneers, dental veneers are a thin look alike exterior. Just as wood veneers are not wood and they cover wood surfaces, dental veneers are thin layers that stick to and cover tooth surfaces. Most commonly tooth veneers are made from porcelain, but can also be acrylic, or consist of resins usually used for fillings. This form of cosmetic dentistry can be used on teeth individually. Therefore, sections of your teeth can be done at a time.

Your dentist will shape veneers after sticking or bonding them to your teeth. They are very thin (less than 1mm) but are remarkably effective for changing the appearance of tooth alignment. Veneers are also commonly used to recolor or whiten the appearance of your teeth.

An Alternative to Invisalign

Invisalign’s tag line is “a clear alternative to braces.” Dental veneers can also be a less expensive alternative to orthodontic treatments. Depending on your situation, and whether straightening is required for practical reasons or purely cosmetic, it may be right for you? Rather than wait years for perfect alignment, your teeth can appear perfectly straight in a few hours with veneers. People with the most to gain from veneers are the best candidates to get them. For example, someone with heavily broken-down tooth surfaces or with permanent staining will notice the biggest contrast when getting new veneers. But anyone looking to perfect their smile can get them.

Hide Defects

Some have worn down, chipped, and rough tooth surfaces and misshaped tooth edges. This is not rare as our teeth wear down over time. Some accelerate tooth wear by playing sports, grinding their teeth, and even with diets that directly impact tooth enamel. With veneers you can cover up structural defects in your teeth. You can have the appearance of perfectly smooth and uniformed teeth!

But Do They Last?

Again, that depends on the person. Some may be extra careful with their new veneers while other might keep to a more tooth destructive lifestyle. Typically, you can expect 15 years before reworking or recovering your veneers. Even porcelain and dental resins chip, crack, and wear over time. That being said, many experience much better endurance and less ware from carefully maintained veneers. The best thing you can do to make them last is avoid hard foods, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist twice each year.

Erbsville Dental

Ask Erbsville Dental about getting dental veneers? Veneers are usually not something that insurance will pay for. Costs very according to your needs. Dr. Stephen Mathews offers many types of cosmetic dentistry in Kitchener-Waterloo.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.