For many people with chipped, discolored or large gaps between their teeth, smiling can be uncomfortable and decrease their confidence. These are not feelings that simply go away with time. Instead, the imperfections that are causing them need some form of professional dental care for the individual to regain their self-confidence and live a happier life. This is truer for those with drug addictions, which has already cause diminishing returns in their oral health.
Not only is it good for the phycological aspects but also for the future well-being of the individual’s physical oral health. Fortunately, there is a simple treatment solution for making teeth look as good as new. This kind of transformation can be achieved with dental veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a durable and versatile treatment solution for those who simply want a straighter, whiter and fuller smile. They are thin, custom-made coverings.Made of porcelain, composite resin or a ceramic material. These are applied over the front of your teeth. It’s also worth noting that porcelain veneers will resist stains more effectively than resin veneers.It will also better mimic the light reflection properties of your natural teeth. You’ll need to consult with your dentist to determine the best veneer material for your needs.
Regardless of the type of veneers you choose, your dentist will first shave away some of the enamel from your teeth before bonding the thin, tooth-colored veneers to them. This is undetectable from your natural teeth. Dental veneers are stain-resistant, durable and natural-looking.
What Are the Different Uses of Dental Veneers?
Veneers can mask various imperfections with your teeth, including:
- Discolored teeth due to root canal treatment, medications like tetracycline or resin fillings
- Worn-down teeth from nail-biting or teeth grinding
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
- Gapped teeth
How Do Veneers Help your Lifestyle?
Having an unattractive smile due to por dental care can make conversations with others uncomfortable and embarrassing. Depending on the severity of the issues and how well you’ve adapted to them, you may find yourself gradually withdrawing from social contact.
This can affect not only your personal life, but your professional life as well, as conversing with others is involved in almost any job or profession. Anything that causes a person to isolate is not good for their mental health and overall well-being. We’re natural social creatures that need to feel a connection with others. Dental veneers are a way to take back your confidence and natural instinct for human interaction.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
No matter what type of veneers you and your dentist decide on, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene and clean them regularly to ensure they last. Porcelain veneers are very durable against normal wear and tear and typically last between 10 and 20 years. Veneers made from composite resin have a shorter lifespan of between 4 and 8 years. However, if you aren’t diligent with your oral care routine, the lifespan of your veneers will reduce drastically.
It’s also recommended to avoid acidic foods, or at the least, don’t allow them to linger on your teeth for extended periods.
Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Dental veneers are a suitable treatment for a large percentage of patients. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Severely stained teeth – Although teeth whitening treatments are quite effective for mild to moderate staining, extremely dark discolorations won’t respond to whitening.
- Minor cosmetic imperfections – This includes cracks, chips and misshapen teeth.
- Multiple cosmetic issues – Due to their versatility, veneers can fix a combination of imperfections with one treatment (such as a chipped tooth, stained teeth and mildly crooked teeth).
- Good overall oral health – It’s important to have healthy teeth and gums before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure.
- Sufficient tooth enamel – Veneers have to adhere to your enamel, but some enamel needs to be removed prior to the procedure.
- Moderately straight teeth – Veneers aren’t effective in correcting severely misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or nail biting, you aren’t a great candidate for veneers. These habits can cause fractures and chips in your teeth, and if not corrected, you won’t get your money’s worth out of your veneers. As always, good dental hygiene is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The same goes for keeping your veneers in great condition and making them live out their maximum lifespan.