Dental veneers are a useful way to improve the appearance of your smile. They provide a faster, more affordable alternative to performing multiple cosmetic procedures. They are durable, attractive, and stain-resistant.
Porcelain veneers may last as long as 15 years with proper care, while composite veneers last four to eight years.
This blog will explain how veneers work, compare the two available types, and give tips for successful wear.
How Veneers Work
A dental veneer is a wafer-thin layer of porcelain or composite material that covers various cosmetic flaws. To start placing veneers, the dentist first takes photos and impressions of your teeth.
Next, the dentist removes a thin enamel layer from the forward-facing tooth surfaces and takes more impressions. The impressions go to the lab to help create well-fitting porcelain or composite veneers. When the veneers return from the lab, the dentist applies them with special cement.
Veneers can simultaneously replace multiple cosmetic procedures, correcting crooked, gapped, stained, misshapen, and chipped teeth. They are often an affordable alternative to more comprehensive smile makeovers and usually take just two appointments to install.
Veneers are not removable; after placing them for the first time, you must replace them as scheduled. Since the dentist removes a layer of enamel, you will need the veneers to protect your teeth.
After placing veneers, you can expect them to last several years. Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most stain-resistant option, but they cost slightly more than composites. Either type of veneer can produce impressive results, but porcelain veneers appear more lifelike thanks to the material's properties.
Are Instant Veneers A Good Option?
Buying premade resin veneers may sound like a good idea, but these veneers (often purchased online) cannot give you the same beautiful results as custom veneers created by your dentist.
How To Make Your Veneers Last Longer
While veneers are long-lasting, you need to be careful with your maintenance routine and lifestyle habits to achieve the best possible results:
- After getting veneers, maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing as directed, and keep all cleaning and exam appointments with your dentist.
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you are prone to tooth grinding or clenching.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play any contact sports.
- Do not use your teeth as tools, such as for opening packages or wrappers.
- Be careful with hard foods like nuts and candy.
- Do not bite any non-food objects like pens or ice.
Call Smiles On The Upper Westside
If you feel uncomfortable with your teeth's appearance, you may want to choose long-lasting porcelain or composite veneers to correct them. Veneers are minimally invasive and can correct multiple cosmetic problems at once.
To discover more about veneers and schedule an appointment for a consultation, please call Smiles on the Upper Westside at 212-222-5225. We can introduce you to our veneer options and help you decide on the best fit.