The pros of veneers are endless. Many of these pros have come to our attention through the media.
We’ve all seen actors, musicians, and other celebrities on TV with picture-perfect white smiles. How did they get that way? Like the rest of us, celebrities were not born with perfect teeth; their shiny white smiles often come from veneers.
Understandably, many of our patients want a similar “celebrity” smile. At Enamel Dental, we can help you achieve this perfect smile with cosmetic dentistry. However, we want our patients’ teeth and gums to be as healthy as possible before veneers are applied.
Re-designing your smile is an exciting concept, but we want our patients to make a well-informed decision. Considering this, we’ve highlighted some common questions we get asked on a daily basis (which we are always happy to answer in person as well).
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers are permanent, so it’s important to keep in mind that once this procedure is done, your natural teeth will never be the same. In order for veneers to be applied to your teeth, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the surface of your natural teeth. Once the enamel is removed, it is gone forever; this is why it’s important to take care of your new smile.
Treat your veneers like a regular set of teeth, especially because the gums and bone surrounding them are still susceptible to gum disease and decay. Cleaning your veneers and continuing to go to your Penticton dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups can increase the longevity of your veneers and save you money in the long run.
Fortunately, Enamel Family Dental Centre uses porcelain veneers which are longer lasting than other types. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years while plastic (composite) veneers can last up to 7 years. With proper care, some patients may never need to replace them at all!
Why Porcelain Veneers?
Aside from longevity, there are many other reasons why our dental clinic chooses to use porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. One of the features of porcelain veneers contributing to their rising popularity is their optic properties.
Porcelain is a ceramic that has many similar properties to the teeth’s natural covering, enamel. Because of this, porcelain veneers appear natural and realistic. This type of veneer is also longer lasting than other types.
The pros of veneers extend beyond the aesthetic. Keep reading to learn more.
The Pros of Veneers
Pro #1: Easily Whitens Your Smile
Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown.
Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you’re looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are stain-resistant so you won’t have to worry about discolouration or needing to have your veneers whitened.
Pro #2: Fixes Minor Cosmetic Problems
Slightly crooked or gapped teeth can be treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments, but these problems can sometimes be helped with veneers as well.
Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth – so although they don’t change the position of your teeth, they do camouflage minor orthodontic problems once they’re applied. Your natural teeth may still be gapped or crooked, but with the application of veneers, nobody will know aside from you and your dentist.
It’s important to note that veneers can’t always replace orthodontic treatment, and your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist instead of placing veneers. Your dentist will not recommend veneers if you have other underlying dental issues such as periodontal disease or extensive decay—those issues need to be dealt with first before considering veneers.
Pro #3: Replaces Damaged Enamel
Enamel is strong, but not indestructible. Your enamel may still be worn down from overzealous tooth brushing, teeth grinding, or eaten away by highly acidic foods and drinks. The stomach acid associated with acid reflux disease can also damage your enamel. This can become a cause for concern because lost enamel doesn’t grow back. Fortunately, it can be replaced with veneers.
The Best Penticton Dentist for Veneers
At Enamel Family Dental Centre, we believe in offering our patients quality service which is why we have selected porcelain veneers as the veneer of choice for our patients. We ultimately want the best for our patients in all facets of life, but especially with their dental care!
If you wish to discuss the pros of veneers more in-depth, speak with your Penticton dentist before making the big decision to modify your smile.