Veneers

Veneers can beautify your smile and boost your self-assurance. The dentists in Lewiston and Clarkston are a group of dental professionals dedicated to offering you the very best stage of care and information about veneers, ensuring you have all of the statistics you want to make informed choices about your oral fitness and aesthetics. In this blog post, we'll delve into veneers - what they are, the benefits they provide, and how to receive them at Canyon Dental.

What to Know About the Dental Veneers Procedure

Dental veneers are a remarkable solution for transforming your smile with speed and ease. These wafer-thin shells, crafted from either porcelain or composite resin, can conceal a range of imperfections – from unsightly stains and discolorations to minor damage. At Canyon Dental, our skilled cosmetic dentists can expertly attach these restorations in no time, and thanks to advanced 3D technology, we can even expedite the procedure, often completing it in just a single day. If you're eager to learn more about getting dental veneers, read on for a detailed overview.

How Does It Work?

The journey to dental veneers typically begins with a thorough examination by your general dentist. If you desire a brighter smile, teeth whitening may be recommended as a first step. Any areas of decay will be addressed with dental fillings, ensuring your teeth are in optimal health. Following this, your dentist will order a digital X-ray and take intraoral photographs of your mouth. Some dentists can even display the veneer procedure's projected outcome on a computer monitor, giving you a sneak peek at your future smile.

Next up is tooth preparation. To ensure a snug fit for the veneers, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, keeping you comfortable throughout the process. Your cosmetic dentist will gently remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth receiving veneers. Subsequently, an impression of your mouth is taken using traditional putty or a more modern intraoral scanner. The shade for your dental veneers is carefully selected to match your desired aesthetic.

The impression is then sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom veneers. In the interim, your dentist will craft temporary veneers to protect and cover your treated teeth until the permanent ones are ready. These temporary veneers will remain in place for a few weeks. On placement day, your dentist will conduct meticulous checks and adjustments to ensure the dental veneers fit perfectly. Any excess bonding cement is removed, and the veneers are polished to a natural sheen.

While some dental clinics rely on traditional dental labs for veneer fabrication, a growing number are embracing computer-aided manufacturing, which enables patients to receive their dental veneers on the same day as their initial consultation.

What You Should Do After?

Once your cosmetic dentist cements the veneers to your teeth, they become a permanent part of your smile. Proper adhesion and preparation are crucial to preventing veneers from falling off. To maintain these shells' integrity, following post-procedure care guidelines is essential.

Longevity is promoted by avoiding hard foods that could potentially damage the veneers. Daily brushing and flossing routines are crucial to keeping your veneers looking fresh. Opt for fluoride toothpaste to strengthen and protect your teeth. Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients to support the health of treated teeth. Steering clear of staining beverages and foods will also contribute to the long-lasting appearance of your dental veneers.

Wearing a custom night guard while sleeping is advisable for individuals who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). This dental appliance acts as a shield, safeguarding both your veneers and neighboring teeth from wear and fractures. Regular dental check-ups with your cosmetic dentist are vital to veneer maintenance, ensuring they remain in pristine condition over time. You can still pursue your favorite activities with dental veneers if you're an active sports enthusiast. Simply invest in a custom-fit mouthguard to protect against potential impacts.

What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

1. A Naturally Beautiful Smile

Dental veneers offer the remarkable advantage of seamlessly blending in with your existing teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from your natural smile. Particularly, porcelain veneers excel in mimicking the authentic appearance of teeth by reflecting light in a way that closely resembles real tooth enamel. This natural aesthetic enhancement enhances your smile without drawing undue attention to dental work.

2. Exceptional Stain Resistance

Porcelain veneers offer another significant advantage over resin veneers: their remarkable resistance to staining. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which can be vulnerable to discoloration from substances like coffee or red wine, porcelain demonstrates a remarkable resilience to such stains. This resilience ensures that your veneers are more likely to maintain their pristine appearance over time, ensuring a consistently bright and vibrant smile for the long term.

3. Protective Shield

Beyond their cosmetic enhancements, veneers are crucial in protecting your teeth. These thin but robust shields are carefully bonded onto the surface of your teeth, providing a layer of protection against further damage, such as chipping or cracking.

How Long Do Veneers Last on Front Teeth?

The lifespan of dental veneers on your front teeth largely depends on how well you look after them. With proper care and attention, dental veneers can serve you well for a substantial duration, typically lasting within 10 to 30 years. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that veneers, while resilient, aren't impervious to harm.

Things to Note

1. Be Mindful of Chewing Habits

It's important to use caution when it comes to your chewing habits. Dental veneers are built to handle everyday activities but aren't invincible. Porcelain, the common veneer material, is glass-like and vulnerable to damage under excessive pressure. To extend the life of your veneers, it's advisable to steer clear of certain actions. Avoid using your teeth to open bottle caps, resist the urge to chew on ice, and refrain from biting your fingernails. These activities can potentially lead to cracks or harm to the veneers.

2. Get Night Guards for Teeth Grinders

Consider investing in a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can exert significant force on natural teeth and veneers. A custom-made night guard acts as a protective barrier, cushioning your veneers and natural teeth from the potential wear and tear caused by this habit. Integrating this preventative measure can substantially prolong the lifespan of your veneers.

Conclusion

If you're in the Lewiston or Clarkston area, Canyon Dental is here to offer the dental care and information you deserve. Veneers, with their ability to decorate your smile's aesthetics while offering protection, represent a transformative alternative for those trying to improve their oral health and create beautiful, long-lasting smiles.