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Do your selfies show a series of closed-mouth smiles due to teeth that are that are discolored, chipped, misaligned or have small gaps between them? Porcelain veneers may be the solution to restore a photo gallery full of broad, bright smiles. Our dentists in Wilbraham are ready to examine your teeth and help you determine if veneers are an option to improve not only the color of your teeth but minor spacing issues, size, and shape.
What is a Porcelain Veneer?
Composed from very thin ceramic layers, porcelain veneers are tasked to be a shield for your teeth, taking the place of enamel by adhering to a tooth’s outer surface. They are as long-lasting as a filling or crown and can fix a list of aesthetic concerns including:
- Spacing and alignment: The gap between your front teeth will disappear under veneers that also can correct other nagging issues in tooth alignment. The treatment can be a resolution if you want to avoid braces or if your situation doesn’t require them.
- Color: You can choose to have brighter teeth and finally whiten that stubborn tooth resistant to other whitening regimens. Veneers come in a large variety of natural colors, so you can match the shade of your teeth or make them a few steps brighter.
- Size and shape: Veneers also can cover a chipped tooth, making it look like new. And if your teeth have been shortened by tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, veneers can lengthen them. Veneers have the capability to alter the shape or your smile to better complement your features if you’ve long though your teeth are too round, too square, too big, or too small.
Our dentist in Wilbraham can show you what you’ll look like with veneers before your treatment begins. After your consultation and before applying your veneers, our dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a proper and comfortable fit. Depending on the brand of veneers used, a minute portion of your tooth enamel may need to be removed before application. Once bonded to your teeth, you needn’t worry about veneers staining or shifting while you eat or talk. Enjoy taking perfect selfies.
How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?
Crowns and veneers are comprised of material that imitate tooth enamel and bond to your natural teeth. Both also can change the color, shape, size, and appearance of your teeth.
Though both corrective treatments enhance your smile, each address different dental concerns. Crowns structurally repair a tooth that has been compromised by trauma, grinding, clenching, decay, or age. Veneers cover small teeth imperfections and are considered a cosmetic dental procedure. A veneer bonds to the surface of your tooth, whereas a crown (sometimes called a cap) covers the whole tooth down to the gums. For a proper repair, a crown does require removing exterior tooth enamel, but once placed it strengthens the underlying tooth. And because crowns will bear the biting force between your molars, they are the favored treatment for cosmetic and structural concerns affecting those teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers are designed to be a long-term fix in the improvement of your teeth and smile. Their durability varies depending upon your lifestyle, daily dental hygiene regimen, and the brand of veneers applied. If you regularly brush and floss your teeth, veneers should last for several decades.
What Are Lumineers®?
Lumineers® are a specific brand of veneer that is translucent and digitally designed to be ultra-thin. The brand requires little to no reduction in the enamel on the surface of your natural tooth, yet Lumineers remain extremely durable. You can expect them to last more than 20 years and similar to other brands of veneers, they look natural, resist staining and are comfortable and fit snugly.
How Do I Care For Veneers?
If veneers are covering teeth worn down from clenching and grinding, our dentist will most likely suggest you wear a custom night guard to maintain your new smile. Beyond that, care for your porcelain veneers as you would your natural teeth by gently brushing and flossing them every day.
Please keep in mind that as durable as veneers are, they are not invincible. If your front teeth are among those with this cosmetic treatment, it’s wise to heed our dentist’s advice and avoid biting into hard food such as candy apples, or using your teeth to open packages.
Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Wilbraham Today
Do you have more questions about veneers? Our staff in Wilbraham is eager to schedule an appointment for you to discuss how veneers can fit into your overall dental care.
Call us at (413) 241-6871 today to schedule your appointment or book an appointment online.
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