At Normandale Dental, Dr. Avi Matha and the team offer a variety of cosmetic smile restoration options, including dental veneers. While this solution will not last a lifetime, it will restore your smile until you are able to obtain other services.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are one of the procedures used in a smile makeover. They are custom shells that are applied to your teeth to improve their appearance. Dental veneers can change the shape, size, color, length, and functionality of teeth. This is an elective, cosmetic procedure.
If you are interested in learning more about dental veneers or pursuing this as a solution for improving the aesthetics of your smile, schedule your appointment with the team at Normandale Dental today.
Types of Dental Veneers
At Normandale Dental, we offer a variety of dental veneers. The most common types are porcelain, composite resin, and removable.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most common type of dental veneer. They are made of tooth-colored ceramic, custom, versatile, stain-resistant, and may last up to 15 years.
Another advantage is that they are minimally invasive and fairly conservative, especially when compared to alternative treatments such as crowns. Finally, they are biocompatible, which means there will be no negative impact on gums and other soft tissues.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are a more conservative alternative to porcelain veneers. They are made of composite resin, which is a blend of organic and inorganic materials. If the resin is chipped, the veneer can be repaired, but if porcelain veneers are chipped, they must be replaced. The same bonding material that is used for tooth-colored dental fillings is used to make these veneers.
Though composite resin veneers are strong, they are not as durable as porcelain and may stain over time.
Removable Veneers
Instant veneers are one of the two types of removable veneers. Instant veneers are cheap and used as a short-term cosmetic solution. In order to fit them to your teeth, place the material in hot water to soften it and then press it to your teeth. The team at Normandale Dental does not recommend instant veneers as a long-term solution.
Custom, snap-on dentures are the second type of removable veneer. They are of higher quality than instant veneers but are still temporary. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab. The lab technicians will create a custom set of veneers.
While it’s true that removable veneers are convenient, they are not as natural-looking as permanent veneers. Also, they are more susceptible to plaque build-up and may cause harm to your gums.
What to Expect from Veneers
Dental veneers are a popular option when it comes to smile restoration procedures. While typically considered a cosmetic procedure, dental veneers can also improve the functionality of your teeth. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to veneers and tooth functionality:
Many of our patients at Normandale Dental choose to get dental veneers to address gapped teeth because they feel that it’s aesthetically displeasing. However, gaps between teeth can also cause issues with functionality. When you have gaps between your teeth, bacteria and plaque can collect along the gumline, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. These issues can make it difficult to eat and, many times, cause tooth loss.
Dental veneers can also address functionality issues with worn-down teeth. Over time, due to dental erosion and teeth grinding, front teeth wear down. When your teeth are worn down, simple tasks like eating become difficult. Additionally, when teeth are too worn down, dentin is exposed, leading to significant tooth decay and structural problems.
Some patients choose to get dental veneers when their enamel is gone. This often happens with patients who consume acidic foods/beverages, have acid reflux, or brush their teeth too hard. The purpose of enamel is to protect your teeth and when it’s gone, problems such as sensitivity can develop, making it difficult to brush your teeth and to eat/drink. Once the enamel is gone, it will not grow back, which may lead to tooth decay and ultimately, tooth loss. Veneers can serve as a replacement for enamel.
Finally, some patients choose dental veneers to strengthen weak teeth. When teeth are weak, they are prone to chipping, which makes it difficult to eat. Patients with weak teeth are often hesitant to bite into foods because it may cause teeth to chip or break. Veneers can prevent this from happening and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods.
Some of the other advantages of dental veneers are:
- Improved aesthetics
- Natural look/feel
- Minimally invasive
- Permanent
- Easy to maintain
How Long do Veneers Last?
On average, porcelain veneers may last up to 15 years, while composite resin veneers typically last up to 7. However, with proper care, you may be able to extend this life expectancy.
When & why do you need to replace veneers?
When your dental veneers reach the end of their life expectancy, they will need to be replaced. However, there are several reasons you may need to replace them early:
- Chipped/cracked or worn down
- Supporting tooth is decayed
- Poor dental hygiene/gum disease may cause the veneer to separate from the gums
- The wrong size veneers were applied
- The veneers were applied improperly
Tips for Making Veneers Last Longer
At Normandale Dental, we understand that veneers are a major investment, so you want to make them last as long as possible. While there’s not much that you can do to increase the lifespan of your veneers, you can ensure that you get your money’s worth by taking care of them. The following tips can help you protect your veneers.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The best way that you can protect your veneers is by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once. In addition, you should still visit the clinic twice yearly for cleanings and check-ups. When you get your veneers, be sure to ask Dr. Matha to recommend dental products that can help you care for them.
Use a Mouthguard
If you are active and/or engage in a lot of physical activity, the possibility of damaging your veneers is increased. However, you can protect them by wearing a mouthguard when you engage in physical activity. This will protect them from cracking or chipping in case you experience a blow to the face/mouth.
Never Use Teeth as Tools
Many people naturally use their teeth as tools. They bite their nails instead of using nail clippers. They use their teeth to open bottles instead of a bottle opener or to open a plastic package instead of using scissors. When you have veneers, this habit may result in cracking or chipping of your veneers- not to mention the fact that you’re inviting germs into your mouth.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
Many of our patients at Normandale Dental grind their teeth. Most of the time, they do it in their sleep, so they don’t even realize it. However, it is important to note that grinding your teeth wears them down and can seriously damage your veneers. If you tend to grind your teeth, ask Dr. Matha about getting a mouthguard to wear while you sleep to help you avoid damaging your veneers.
How Much do Dental Veneers Cost?
The cost of dental veneers varies by type:
Composite Resin
Composite resin dental veneers can be applied in a single visit and costs approximately $250/tooth. They typically last up to 7 years before they need to be replaced.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth, so you will need 2 visits. One to fit them to your teeth and the second to have them applied. Porcelain veneers typically cost $1,000+ per tooth, but may last 15 years or more.
Do You Still Have to Brush Dental Veneers?
The veneers themselves will not develop cavities- but the tooth underneath is still susceptible. Therefore, it is critical that you continue to practice proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing at least once.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you believe that dental veneers are the best solution for restoring your smile, schedule your consultation with the team at Normandale Dental today. Dr. Matha stays on top of the latest in dental technology by going through training and education courses on a regular basis. He does his best to ensure that each and every visit is a positive one. We look forward to fitting you with dental veneers and improving your smile.
