How to Get a Beautiful Smile

So many people are unhappy about the state of their dental health and are actually embarrassed to smile. They feel like there is nothing they can do about discolored, misaligned or broken teeth. Some cover their mouths or hold back smiles because they are self-conscious.

There is an alternative to getting braces, using whitening products, or homemade bleaching remedies. How much do you know about porcelain veneers? Keep reading to see what you need to know about veneers.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are made of thin shells of porcelain custom-made to cover imperfections. They are bonded to either a single tooth or throughout the mouth to change the size, color, and shape of your teeth. They can also be used to close spaces between two teeth.

By making your teeth straighter and whiter, and restoring the structure of your mouth, you can get back that beautiful smile you have missed.

Best Uses of Veneers

The main goal of veneers is to improve the appearance of your teeth. They are most often used to:

• Close the gap between teeth
• Cover broken, chipped, or worn-down teeth
• Whiten discolored or stained teeth
• Re-align uneven, irregularly-shaped, or misaligned teeth

When Not to Get Veneers

Veneers are not a good option for everyone:

• Moderate to severe crowding needs orthodontic treatment.
• Crooked dental arches or a narrow upper jaw are very difficult to fix with cosmetic solutions like veneers.
• If someone clenches or grinds their teeth often, keep in mind that this process can also break down veneers.
• People who suffer from headaches associated with TMJ pain should resolve this issue first before getting veneers.

Can’t Get Veneers on the Spot

If you think you can walk into a dentist’s office, ask for veneers, and walk out with a beautiful smile – think again.

You will first need to have a consultation with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. Once you and your dentist agree to move forward, the process does involve a few steps and several office visits.

Your first visit will be your dental consultation. This will include diagnosis and a treatment plan. The dentist will examine your teeth, take x-rays and talk to you about your specific situation.

Advantages of Veneers

The most universally-known advantages of veneers are that they can improve the overall look of your smile by changing the size and shape of your teeth, lightening discoloration, and closing gaps between teeth.

Some other less known advantages are:

• Because porcelain is strong and durable, your veneers can last between ten and fifteen years with proper maintenance.
• Your veneers will be customized for your mouth because the dentist sends impressions of your teeth to a laboratory to create natural-looking results
• There is no recovery period.
• Even though you can’t walk out of your dentist office immediately with a new beautiful smile, the procedure is relatively simple and quick, generally with 2-3 visits.
• Natural teeth are susceptible to staining from coffee and tea. Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining.
• Worn-down teeth can cause wrinkles or folds in your face. Putting veneers over these worn teeth can literally change the shape of your face by making wrinkles and facial folds disappear.
• Having a beautiful smile will make you feel more confident.
• Worn enamel and exposed roots can cause your teeth to be sensitive. Getting veneers on your teeth can cover these exposed areas and eliminate tooth sensitivity.

 

Regular Care

Once you get your veneers, you should treat them like you did with your original teeth. Brush, floss, and eat well to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Make sure to continue your regular visits to your dentist. Veneers need to be polished with a non-abrasive toothpaste specially formulated for veneers.

Your dentist will also want to evaluate your veneers, check their condition, and make sure there aren’t any problems.

Even though porcelain veneers are super strong, you can still chip or break them if you chew a lot of ice, eat hard candy often, or chew on other hard objects.

Some abrasive toothpaste brands are made with charcoal or baking soda. Although these may remove some surface stains, over time they will make your veneers look dull.  Avoid using abrasive toothpaste.