Are you tired of your smile? Maybe it’s not as white or vibrant as it used to be, or perhaps your teeth have embarrassing stains, uneven edges, or seem a bit too small. If you’re ready to get back that healthy, beautiful grin you had in your youth, veneers can help. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to make them appear whiter, brighter, and more pleasingly shaped. But they’re also a significant investment. Here’s what you need to know about them before you commit.
They Require Some Intervention
Before your dentist can even make impressions of your teeth for your new veneers, they will need to remove a small layer of enamel first. This will allow them to fit better without being too bulky. This also means that you will always need to wear veneers going forward, because without that enamel, your teeth will be vulnerable to cavities and decay. Thankfully, with proper oral health care they will help protect your teeth, so you needn’t worry about this reduction if you have them in place.
They Need to Be Replaced
All good things come to an end, and that’s true for veneers, too. With proper care they can last up to 20 years, however it is important that you replace them when the time comes to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.
They Can Still Stain
While veneers create the appearance of whiter, brighter teeth, they can still stain if you don’t properly care for them. Thus, you should still not smoke with them, and you must still brush and floss regularly to prevent them from absorbing stains from dark colored foods and beverages.
You Can Still Get Cavities
While rare, it is still possible to get cavities underneath your veneers. Thus, it is very important to brush and floss regularly, and to visit your dentist twice a year for your semi-annual exams and cleanings. Should you develop a cavity under yours, your dentist will need to remove it to repair the tooth. It is sometimes possible to reattach the same one after the procedure, but this is not always the case, and you may be required to purchase a replacement.
They Can Break
Veneers are made of durable porcelain; however, they can still break if you aren’t careful. Thus, you should only use your teeth to chew food: no opening packages, biting your nails, or chewing pen caps with them. Furthermore, be sure to avoid crunching on ice, as this can fracture them as well.
Remember, veneers are a beautiful and long-lasting way to improve the appearance of your smile, but they’re also a permanent commitment that will need to be maintained and eventually replaced. Be sure you know all the details before investing in your smile.
About Dr. Salari
Dr. Marjan Salari was educated in Europe and in the United States. She believes in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for patients of all backgrounds. She is fluent in English, French, and Farsi, and is currently learning Spanish, and she provides a variety of dental procedures ranging from general exams to restorations and cosmetic dentistry.
To schedule an appointment for veneers at Nova Smile Dental, please visit our website or contact us at 703-763-0800.