The image is an illustration of dentists placing individual veneers on an oversized mouth. It represents how veneers can change the way you are perceived.

How Veneers Can Change the Way You Are Perceived

Dental veneers are a method in cosmetic dentistry that can noticeably boost the way your smile looks while effectively treating a variety of dental issues. Please read our article to learn the benefits of this dental restoration and how veneers can change the way you are perceived. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front surface of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, but some other materials, such as resin composite or zirconia, can also be used for making veneers. 

The Process of Getting Dental Veneers

The Initial Consultation

Not all people might be suited for dental veneers. That is why you first need a consultation with your dentist, who will carefully examine the condition of your teeth’s enamel and your dental health. Also, you can discuss your concerns and goals with the dentist and choose the shade of your future veneers during the consultation to set accurate expectations for your treatment. 

If you have any oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, you will most likely have to treat them before getting veneers. 

Preparing your teeth for veneers

Before veneers are applied, the teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer of their enamel to create enough space for them. Thus, the procedure of getting dental veneers is considered irreversible.

Taking the Impressions of Your Teeth

For the next step, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create a mold. Samples of your teeth color will also be taken. Then, both the impressions and the color samples will be sent to a lab, where your new veneers will be custom-made. While your permanent veneers are being made in the lab, you will wear temporary veneers.

The Final Step

The final step is applying your custom-made permanent veneers to your teeth. After removing the temporary veneers, your dentist will attach the permanent ones to your teeth using a special acidic gel. The gel dissolves minerals on the surface of the teeth, making them rougher and allowing the veneers to bond securely with your teeth. 

After the procedure is complete, you can return to your daily activities right away. You might experience mild tooth sensitivity for several days after the procedure, but these feelings will soon go away completely.

Types of Dental Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

The advantages of porcelain dental veneers include:

  • Porcelain veneers are semi-translucent, which makes them look very natural and practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. 
  • Porcelain veneers are durable and can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care.
  • Porcelain is a stain-resistant material, meaning that your veneers stain less than natural teeth’s porous enamel.

Composite Veneers

Dental veneers made of resin composite are a cheaper option than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers still look natural in the mouth, and their shade and color can be matched to those of the rest of your teeth. However, resin composite is not as durable and stain-resistant as porcelain, so composite veneers can have a shorter life span. 

Zirconia Veneers

In most cases, zirconia veneers look similar to porcelain veneers, but there are still some differences between these two materials. Zirconia is a highly durable material, so veneers of this material are made to be thinner. This, in turn, makes the veneer slightly transparent and results in a more natural look. The durability of zirconia allows veneers to be thinner than other types of veneers, meaning that less of the teeth’s enamel has to be removed to fit zirconia veneers. 

How Veneers Can Change the Way You Are Perceived

The way our teeth look can be important for our self-confidence and presentation. Dental veneers can change the appearance of your smile and the way you are perceived in various ways:

  • Veneers can cover discolored, stained, or uneven-in-tone teeth, providing excellent results that last much longer than teeth whitening.
  • Veneers can be used to cover misshapen teeth, improving their size and length.
  • Veneers can make your teeth appear straighter without the need for an orthodontic treatment.
  • Veneers can be effectively used to close gaps between the teeth.
  • Veneers can cover chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, making your smile look healthier.
  • In combination with other treatments, veneers can be used to fix the issue of a gummy smile.

Make an Appointment Today

If you want to change the appearance of your teeth in a short time, dental veneers are a great solution. Do not hesitate to call our dental office and schedule a consultation with one of our veneer specialists. We look forward to welcoming you to Smiles of Arcadia.

concept of woman after dental veneers for article about myths of this treatment

Myths About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a great way of enhancing one’s smile by making teeth appear straighter and whiter. This method is so popular nowadays because it is fast and permanent. However, there are some common misconceptions about dental veneers that prevent people from getting this cosmetic solution. Finding the right dental office that offers quality veneers is a must to ensure that you will be satisfied with the results. Also, read this article to learn about the myths about dental veneers to better prepare for the procedure. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are permanently affixed to the front side of your teeth. The most common material for veneers is porcelain because it provides a beautiful range of shades and natural-looking translucency. Also, porcelain is a durable and stain-resistant material that will serve you for years. Other common materials that can be used for veneers are composite and zirconia. 

Myths About Dental Veneers

Please read our list of the most common myths about dental veneers. Knowing these facts about veneers might help you decide on getting this treatment. 

Myth 1: Veneers Are Only Good for Whitening Your Teeth

In fact, in addition to giving you a perfect pearly smile, veneers can be effectively used to solve a wide range of dental issues, such as:

  • Cover cracked or chipped teeth
  • Reinforce and protect cracked or chipped teeth
  • Cover stains and discoloration of the teeth
  • Change the length of your teeth
  • Change the shape of your teeth
  • Improve gummy smile
  • Fill in the gaps between the teeth
  • Make the teeth appear straighter

Myth 2: Veneers Break Easily

Although veneers are very thin, this does not mean that they are fragile. The materials used for dental veneers, especially porcelain and zirconia, are durable and do not chip or break easily if properly cared for.

Myth 3: Veneers Stain Easily

Materials used for dental veneers, especially porcelain, are stain-resistant. In fact, porcelain is less likely to stain than your natural teeth because this material is less porous than natural enamel. 

Myth 4: Veneers Look Fake

In reality, veneers look just like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are slightly translucent, which allows light to reflect off them, just like it happens with natural teeth. In addition, there is a wide range of shades available. You can choose the color of your new veneers that will look right for you. 

If you need only one or several dental veneers, they can be perfectly matched in color to your natural teeth. In this case, veneers will seamlessly blend with the rest of your teeth and will not be noticeable.

Myth 5: Veneers Require a Lot of Special Care

In fact, you will need to brush and floss your teeth as you usually do. The main goal is to maintain a sufficient level of oral hygiene to avoid plaque buildup and cavities. 

Myth 6: Dental Veneers Are Painful

To prepare your teeth for receiving dental veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth first. However, this procedure does not affect the deeper layer of your teeth. In addition, your dentist will use a local anesthetic during the procedure. Getting dental veneers is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and you will not feel pain.

You can have increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for several days after the procedure, but these feelings will go away. 

Myth 7: You Will Need a Special Diet with Dental Veneers

There are indeed certain foods you had better avoid with dental veneers. However, these are the same foods that dentists recommend their patients avoid with just their natural teeth. The list includes hard and crunchy foods (hard candies, popcorn with seeds, etc.) that require a lot of biting and chewing force. Such foods can damage your natural teeth in the same way they can damage your veneers. 

Myth 8: The Whole Tooth is Filed to Apply Dental Veneers

As we mentioned before, some of the tooth’s enamel will be removed to prepare and roughen up the surface of the tooth and ensure that veneers will hold on to it securely. However, your dentist aims to maintain the integrity of your teeth, and extensive filing is never done.

Make an Appointment Today

Getting dental veneers in Arcadia is a fast and effective way to a perfect smile. We hope that this article helped you feel more confident about the procedure. Please do not hesitate to make an appointment at Smiles of Arcadia today. Our veneer specialists are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve your best smile.

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Tips to Improve Your Veneers Color

Getting porcelain veneers is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers make the teeth look whiter and straighter and also can change their size and shape. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to damage and can last quite some time. However, veneers are not invincible and can lose their original color over time, especially if not taken proper care of. Your dentist will be able to accurately determine why your veneers changed color and suggest the best course of action. In this article, we will give you tips on how to improve your veneers color.

Do Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth. Porcelain is less porous than natural enamel, which means it is less absorbent. However, you should still adhere to the recommended diet and lifestyle restrictions to preserve the original color of your veneers for as long as possible. Over time, some discoloration and staining might appear, spoiling the appearance of your veneers. 

Another material used for dental veneers is resin composite. This material is much less stain-resistant than porcelain, and you need to take extra care to preserve its appearance. 

Why Have My Veneers Changed Color?

Dental veneers can change color with time for several reasons, including:

  • Consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as red wine, black coffee and tea, berries, drinks, and candies containing dye, etc. It is best to avoid these types of products as much as possible and brush your teeth immediately after the meal containing them. 
  • Tobacco consumption.
  • You have had your veneers for a long time. Two factors can cause staining in this situation. Firstly, your veneers can be stained and due to replacement just because they are old. Porcelain veneers tend to last for about 15 years and composite veneers—for about 7 years. Secondly, as you age, your gum can start receding, exposing the top part of the veneer. This results in darker spots being visible along the gumline.
  • The adhesive seal that attaches veneers to your teeth is broken. When this happens, food and beverage residue can accumulate between the tooth and the veneer, making the latter appear stained or discolored.
  • Micro abrasions on your veneers. If you use abrasive toothpaste or toothbrushes, it can result in micro scratches on the surface of your veneers. The damaged area absorbs pigment and bacteria, which provides for staining. 
  • The tooth underneath the veneer became discolored or decayed. Modern veneers are made to be partially translucent to resemble natural teeth by letting some light through. This means that if there are issues with the tooth itself, your veneer can appear discolored or stained.
  • The glazing of your veneer is wearing down. In most cases, this can happen if your veneers are too old or if they are damaged. Glazing protects the harder and more absorbent parts of the veneer. When they become exposed, the veneer can become more prone to staining. 

Tips to Improve Your Veneers Color

  • The first and main tip is not to use any at-home whitening solutions on your dental veneers. Unfortunately, such whitening kits are made of natural enamel and are not compatible with porcelain or resin composite. In fact, using whitening solutions at home can make your veneers look worse. 
  • Toothpaste with bleach and baking soda also can damage your veneers, so avoid using them.
  • Make an appointment with your dentist for a professional dental veneer cleaning. Your dentist might be able to remove stains and discoloration and refinish the porcelain glaze. This is the most effective cleaning method for your dental veneers, and it can make them look significantly better. However, in cases when the staining is too severe, your dentist might offer to replace your veneers altogether.

How to Take Care of Your Veneers Properly

Proper and regular care can ensure that your veneers stay white for years to come:

  1. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night. It is crucial to remove food residue and bacteria to prevent them from accumulating on and between your teeth. On top of that, maintaining proper oral hygiene will help to avoid tooth decay underneath your veneers.
  2. Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid micro scratches on the surface of your veneers. 
  3. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
  4. Use a special dental veneer cleaner. Ask your dentist to recommend one that will be the most suitable for your veneers.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly for oral health checkups and professional cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation and other oral health issues.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are concerned that your veneers do not look as good as they used to, make an appointment at Smiles of Arcadia with a porcelain veneers expert. We can professionally clean your dental veneers and improve their appearance. Do not hesitate to call our office today.

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How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment. It can transform your smile by improving your teeth’ shape, color, and overall appearance. Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material that are attached to the front of your teeth. They are customizable to ensure they fit your overall aesthetic. They are long-lasting treatment options but they are not permanent. You may wonder, how long do dental veneers last? Below you will find helpful information about veneers and how to care for them to ensure they last.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Most veneers last between ten to twenty years. However, they can last even longer if properly cared for. The lifespan of dental veneers depends on several factors, including the type of veneers, your oral care routine, and individual lifestyle habits. Regular care and maintenance are key to making dental veneers last. Porcelain veneers in Arcadia are the most popular choice as they are long-lasting and look the most natural.

Caring For Dental Veneers

There are several factors that can determine how long your dental veneers last. Consider the following tips on how to care for your dental veneers.

Oral Care Routine: 

It is critical to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes and avoid using any abrasive products. If possible, brush after every meal. In addition to brushing, floss daily. Even though you have veneers, oral care is still necessary to prevent decay and other harmful oral health issues.

Regular Dental Checkups: 

Schedule regular checkups at the dental office at least every six months. This is necessary to ensure your oral health. Additionally, your dentist can monitor your progress and address any issues with your veneers early on. Talk with your dentist about when and how often you should visit.

Use Caution: 

Veneers are strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. It’s important to use caution when eating. Avoid biting down on hard substances, such as nuts, hard candy, ice, or other hard foods. In addition, avoid using your teeth as tools. Do not use your teeth to open things or even chew on objects. This can place too much pressure on your teeth and damage your veneers.

Address Grinding: 

Teeth grinding can place too much pressure on your veneers. If you grind your teeth, talk with your dentist about a mouth guard. Using a mouthguard at night can protect your veneers. It is also helpful to address the original cause of your teeth grinding as it is often associated with stress and anxiety.

Avoid Certain Foods: 

Veneers are resistant to stains. However, certain substances can impact the shade of your veneers. Avoid consuming teeth-staining foods in excess. This includes tea, coffee, sugar, and other processed foods. Not only is it good for your health but it can also improve the longevity of your veneers.

Dental Veneer Treatment

If you don’t like the way your teeth look, consider dental veneers. Many people are unhappy with the look of their smile. This can result in laughing and smiling less which can impact your confidence and self-esteem. If you feel like this, schedule a consultation with the team at Premier Dental Aesthetics. They can determine if you are a good candidate for treatment and discuss your overall aesthetic goals. 

The team at Premier Dental Aesthetics is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, including dental veneers. They have helped patients achieve their desired dental aesthetic and improve the look of their smile. In fact, they will work with you to ensure your smile is customized to meet your unique needs. Contact their team today to schedule a consultation!