The Truth About Veneers
Discolored, disproportionate, or broken teeth? You can bet that Wohlers Family Dentistry (Dentist Marietta) has just the solution for you. They offer a range of options for those who want to restore the function of their teeth and improve the aesthetics of their smile. One of the most popular choices to achieve this is veneers.
Designed to fit perfectly over the front surface of your teeth, veneers can instantly change the quality of your smile and your bite, so they’re often the solution of choice for a multitude of different situations. If you’re thinking of getting your teeth repaired or restored with veneers, there are a few things you should know. Here’s the lowdown on veneers and what you can expect once you opt for the service.
1. Will veneers look fake?
For the most part, veneers will look pretty natural, but that’s not always the case. So if you want to make sure your veneers look as authentic as possible, it’s important that you consult with a qualified, skilled dentist to get you the results you want.
In general, porcelain veneers have a realistic texture and are able to mimic the way real teeth reflect light. They’re also far more resistant to stains than other materials, which ultimately makes them a slightly more expensive solution.
Your skilled Wohlers Family dentist can replicate the color, shade, and shape of your real teeth, making sure your veneers look as authentic as possible.
2. Can veneers be used to replace missing teeth?
No. Veneers are like jackets that are placed over the surface of your teeth. Your dentist will shave and carve your existing tooth and then place the veneer over its surface. When the veneer and the tooth are both prepared, your dentist will use a special cement to bond them together. If you’re trying to resolve a missing tooth, consider getting implants or a bridge instead.
3. Will the process hurt?
Wohler Family Dentistry’s top priority is your comfort, so you can expect a painless experience throughout the entire veneer application process. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the feeling of having your teeth prepped for the veneer, but other than that, there should be no pain or discomfort, even after the anesthetic wears off.
4. Can veneers break?
A good dentist will make sure that your veneers are properly fitted so the daily pressures on your teeth don’t cause them to break. Of course, there are some instances when they might crack, especially if you apply an excess of pressure by biting down on hard food, using your teeth to open packaging, or biting your nails. Long-term wear and tear can also weaken veneers and the cement holding them in place. With proper care, however, you should be able to extend the lifespan of your veneers without a hitch.
5. How long do veneers last?
Veneers are not a permanent solution, requiring routine maintenance every 10 to 15 years after their installation. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly to monitor the quality of your veneers and correct any potential damage.
6. Can veneers protect teeth from decay?
To place a veneer, your dentist will have to shave off the outermost layers of your teeth, which includes your enamel. Because your enamel is responsible for protecting your teeth, poorly installed veneers can actually make it easier for rot and decay to occur. Of course, if your dentist is able to perform the process properly, then there might not be a cause for concern.
7. Can veneers be used to treat cavities?
Veneers can be used to address a variety of dental problems, from discoloration to breakages and fractures to disproportionate teeth and lots of other aesthetic issues. Unfortunately, the treatment is not recommended for teeth that have already been compromised by cavities or decay since further manipulation of the teeth can weaken them even more.
8. Are veneers better than implants?
That really depends. Veneers and implants have similar goals but are used in very different scenarios. There are some instances when veneers might be ideal, such as when your actual tooth is still a viable anchor. In other cases, when there is significant damage to your natural tooth, for example, implants might be a better option. As much as possible, dentists will try to preserve your real teeth because of their importance for maintaining facial bone density. Plus, veneers are cheaper, faster, and just as aesthetically pleasing as implants.
9. Can veneers be removed?
Yes, your dentist will have the tools and agents necessary to remove veneers. But keep in mind, because your teeth will have to be shaved down to accommodate the veneers, you can not have them permanently removed. If you want to have them replaced with implants or other dental replacements, then you should consult your dentist.
10. Can you put veneers on teeth with composite fillings?
Unfortunately not. Dentists will make sure that your teeth are viable for veneers, and they will only recommend the treatment if your teeth are healthy enough to hold the veneers for the foreseeable future. If your teeth are already half-filled with composite or are significantly damaged or decayed, then they may not be ideal for a veneer.
11. Can you wear braces on veneers?
Yes. Your dentist will make sure that the veneer is in place with a strong cement that will securely bond with your real tooth. That said, you can install braces over a veneer and still get the same results out of the process without putting your veneers in jeopardy.
