Numerous restorative dentistry treatments can improve your smile, including dental veneers. These thin porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic shells cover numerous imperfections and are used for front teeth exclusively. Use the guide below to determine whether these dental products suit your needs.

What to Know About Veneers

What tooth imperfections do they disguise?

Veneers can restore badly-stained teeth, such as those discolored from coffee, red wine, tea, medication, or tobacco. They can also cover broken, chipped, or gapped teeth, creating a more uniform smile. By addressing imperfections that can make people feel self-conscious, these dental restorations allow many to regain their confidence.

How are they applied?

During the initial appointment, the dentist will apply local anesthesia. They’ll carefully remove natural tooth material to create rough surfaces, which help the restorations stay in place. Then, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create custom prosthetics in a dental lab. 

The dentist might attach a temporary shell to your teeth to avoid sensitivity between visits. Once it’s time to place the permanent veneers, they’ll attach them to your front teeth using a dental bonding product.

Should I be worried about staining or cavities?

Veneers are invulnerable to cavities and impervious to staining agents, such as tea and red wine. However, natural teeth can still experience blemishes. You can keep them healthy by rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking sugary foods and beverages. 

To maintain your smile, continue brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Visit the dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and checkups as well. During these appointments, they’ll examine the restorations for any issues.

How long do they last? 

With the right care, these restorations last up to 25 years. Since they involve removing natural tooth material, they need replacement to continue providing a uniform, white smile. Help the veneers last as long as possible by not chewing hard foods with your front teeth. Also, avoid biting on hard objects, such as pens and ice. If you are prone to grinding, wear a mouth guard while sleeping to protect your teeth and veneers from pressure-related fractures.

If you’re interested in these dental restorations, visit James Julien, DDS, in Kenai, AK, to determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure. They provide a wide variety of dentistry treatments, including teeth cleanings, whitening treatments, crowns, bridges, and veneers. Besides delivering quality results, they offer a comforting environment. Call (907) 283-4857 today to schedule your appointment, or visit the practice online for more information on their services.