Dental Veneers and Natural Teeth – FAQs

When permanent stains or minor damage impact the beauty and function of teeth, dental veneers can be used to help restore a person's smile. There are many options available to repair teeth, including crowns, bridges and implants. However, veneers can be an appropriate choice for patients with issues that do not require more invasive procedures. A dental professional can help determine if this type of treatment can safely and effectively address the problem.

Common questions about dental veneers

Individuals should discuss specific concerns with a dentist. However, the following information is applicable to most patients with good dental health who maintain proper oral hygiene.

Do veneers look natural?

Veneers can provide a beautiful yet natural look once the treatment process is complete. The thin coverings are crafted to match the shape and color of the surrounding teeth for a more cohesive appearance. However, veneers can be intentionally formed and shaded to enhance or improve a patient's smile.

What kind of dental issues can be addressed with this type of treatment?

Dental veneers are an excellent option for patients whose teeth do not respond to whitening treatments. These discolorations can be due to exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride or trauma to the tooth. Minor chips and cracks that do not require a crown can also be dealt with veneers. The treatment can even be utilized to fill gaps and address poor positioning due to uneven tooth size or spacing.

What should a patient expect during the procedure?

To begin, a dentist prepares the affected tooth by removing part of the outer layer to accommodate the new covering. Dental impressions are taken, and the veneer is crafted at an off-site laboratory. In about two weeks, the finished product is usually ready for application. The natural tooth is prepared when the dentist cleans and then etches the surface to ensure a tight bond. Final adjustments are made, and the veneer is permanently cemented in place. 

How long do dental veneers last?

The life-span of any type of dental work depends on the quality of the execution and the self-care of the patient. Typically, a properly placed veneer lasts around 20 years in people with good oral health. Those made from porcelain have been known to last even longer in some patients.

Do veneers require any type of additional care or treatment?

Individuals with this type of smile restoration will not need to make any changes to healthy dental habits. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure any other fine-tuning is not required. Other than that, patients simply need to maintain proper brushing and flossing habits and regular six-month checkups.

Whitening toothpaste and treatments should be avoided because they are not effective on veneers and could cause damage to the product. It can be helpful to limit beverages that stain easily:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Artificially colored products

If staining becomes an issue in the future, a dentist should be consulted for possible treatment options.

Conclusion

Dental veneers are designed to work alongside natural teeth for a more beautiful and functional smile. This type of smile restoration addresses various issues with results that last for years with healthy habits.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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