Veneers have a maximum lifespan of 15 years.
Dr. Nguyen will examine your teeth to determine if veneers are the right solution to the cosmetic imperfections in your teeth. We will need to ensure you’re in good oral health by taking x-rays.
To create enough room for the veneer to fit over the tooth without sticking out, we will remove a small amount of tooth enamel proportional to the thickness of the veneers (.5 mm).
A shade guide is used to match the shade of your porcelain veneers to your natural teeth.
After the trimming of your enamel, impressions or digital scans are taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab in charge of your veneer fabrication. You will wear temporary veneers that will protect your trimmed teeth until your official veneers are ready.
After a few weeks, your veneers will be completed and we will call you back to remove the temporary veneers and bond your official veneers to your teeth.
Teeth can become discolored from a variety of things, from tooth stains and plaque to enamel erosion and smoking. Veneers permanently whiten your teeth as a long-term alternative to teeth whitening. Porcelain veneers are opaque and tooth-colored so they effectively cover up severe tooth stains and discoloration.
If you have damaged your teeth from dental trauma or teeth grinding, veneers can hide minor chips and cracks as well as enamel erosion. When your enamel starts breaking down or you’ve fractured your tooth, it can be an eye sore, especially when it’s one of the front teeth.
Veneers will create the illusion of perfectly healthy damage-free teeth. Severe damage and broken teeth are not suitable for veneers and are better suited for dental crowns.
If your orthodontic problems are minor, you may be able to skip orthodontic treatment altogether with the help of veneers. Veneers will cover up slightly crooked or misaligned teeth and cover up small gaps so you don’t need to feel embarrassed about your misaligned smile.
Did you know that veneers can completely change the size and shape of your teeth? Whether you have an uneven smile, one particular tooth that doesn’t look like the others, or many teeth that are too small, too short, or too sharp, we can discuss your aesthetic goals with you to formulate the perfect tooth aesthetic you’ve always wanted.
You should avoid chewing hard and sticky foods to protect your veneers from damage.
Veneers are a popular choice for those seeking a dazzling, picture-perfect smile, but are they a permanent solution? The answer is both yes and no. Veneers are considered a long-lasting dental treatment, typically lasting between 10 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you care for them. They are made from durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin, which are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of eating, drinking, and speaking.
However, it's important to note that while veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. Over time, they may require replacement or repair due to chipping, cracking, or wear. Additionally, the process of applying veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel from your natural teeth, which is an irreversible procedure. This means that once you opt for veneers, you will need to have them replaced whenever they wear out.
In essence, veneers provide a semi-permanent solution that can significantly enhance your smile for many years, but they do require ongoing care and maintenance to ensure their longevity.
One of the most appealing aspects of veneers is their resistance to staining. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are highly resistant to discoloration because of their non-porous surface, which makes them less likely to absorb stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. This means that your veneers can maintain their bright, white appearance even if you indulge in foods and drinks that typically cause staining.
However, it's important to remember that while the veneers themselves are resistant to stains, the natural teeth surrounding them are not. This means that if your natural teeth become discolored, there could be a noticeable contrast between them and your veneers. To maintain a uniform and radiant smile, it's crucial to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Composite resin veneers, on the other hand, are more prone to staining over time compared to their porcelain counterparts. If you have composite veneers, you may need to take extra care to avoid foods and beverages that can lead to discoloration.
Veneers can be an effective solution for minor cases of dental crowding. They work by reshaping and covering the front surface of the teeth, creating the appearance of a straighter, more aligned smile. For individuals with slightly crowded or misaligned teeth, veneers can provide a quick and aesthetically pleasing fix without the need for braces or orthodontic treatment.
However, it's important to understand that veneers are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in cases of significant crowding or bite issues. For more severe cases, traditional orthodontics or clear aligners may be necessary to properly align the teeth and correct the bite.
If you're considering veneers to address crowded teeth, it's essential to consult with a skilled dentist like Dr. Anthony Nguyen at ARTSCI Dental in Redondo Beach. He can assess your specific dental situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to achieve your desired results.
One of the biggest concerns for anyone considering veneers is whether they will look natural. The good news is that when done correctly, veneers can provide a stunningly natural appearance. The key to achieving this lies in the expertise of your dentist and the quality of the materials used.
Porcelain veneers are known for their ability to mimic the natural translucency and luster of real teeth. They can be custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your existing smile. A skilled dentist, like Dr. Anthony Nguyen, will take the time to carefully craft veneers that complement your facial features and enhance your overall appearance.
Composite veneers, while generally more affordable, can also deliver a natural look, though they may not offer the same level of translucency as porcelain. Regardless of the material you choose, it's crucial to work with a dentist who has a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering beautiful, natural-looking results.