Getting Rid of Gum Disease

If you suffer from multiple cosmetic problems with your teeth, you may feel that your mouth requires too many corrections to address them all. Although cosmetic dental problems may not affect the health of your teeth, they may still affect your confidence and the way that you feel about your appearance.

There are multiple cosmetic applications that could improve the look of dental blemishes. Among them, dental veneers are some of the most versatile.

Here is a bit of information about dental veneers to help you better understand them.

What Is a Veneer?

A dental veneer is a small, thin, tooth-shaped device that is designed for placement on the front surface of your tooth. The veneer is displayed when you smile or talk. Your natural tooth is hidden behind the device.

Dental labs can construct veneers from a number of materials, including resin or porcelain. The devices are durable and can be matched to the color of adjacent teeth.

What Cosmetic Dental Issues Can Veneers Conceal?

Veneers can conceal multiple cosmetic dental concerns, including:

• Misshapen teeth
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Discoloration
• Cracked teeth
• Chipped teeth

When the veneers are in place, the teeth typically appear almost perfect.

Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?

Veneers don't damage your teeth. In fact, they provide fortification and protection for the front surfaces. Still, keep in mind that your dentist must remove a small portion of tooth material from the front of the tooth before they can place a conventional veneer. The removal allows the veneer to sit flush with the current bite line.

Nevertheless, veneers are extremely thin, so only a minute amount of tooth material is removed.

Do Veneers Last a Lifetime?

Veneers are quite long-lasting, but a veneer can incur damage. If a veneer develops a chip or crack, the dentist can remove and replace it. If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist may suggest that you wear a mouthguard at night to protect your veneers from unnecessary damage as you grind your teeth.

In some cases, veneers need to be replaced due to structural changes to the gingival tissues. Some people's gums recede over time. When gums recede after the placement of veneers, a gap develops between the gum line and the veneers. To remedy the issue, new, longer veneers may be applied so that the devices can sit flush with the gum line.

To learn more about dental veneers and how they can transform your mouth, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your area like Dan Czapek, D.M.D.