Many people in Houston wonder how long dental veneers last. On average, dental veneers, which are made of porcelain or lithium disilicate (Emax), last a decade or more. They are resistant to stains and extremely durable.
Good Candidates for Dental Veneers in Houston
Because dental veneers, which are permanently bonded to the surface of your teeth, hide dental issues such as minor gaps between teeth, they can create a stunning, pleasing smile for those with damaged, worn down, irregularly-shaped, chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth in as little as two visits.
Dental veneers are also designed to look natural, and they reflect the light the same way natural healthy teeth do. Moreover, in many cases, properly placed dental veneers can be used in lieu of orthodontic treatment as long as the teeth are not severely out of alignment. In other situations, where the teeth are severely crowded, misaligned, or crooked, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment in conjunction with veneers or other treatment options.
Can Dental Veneers Replace Worn down or Damaged Enamel?
Yes. Dental veneers can also be used to replace enamel that has been worn away over time through improper brushing, breakage, and/or acidic foods. Although natural enamel is very hard, it is vulnerable to damage. If it is worn down or damaged, it does not get replaced. Dental veneers, however, can replace damaged enamel, restoring the appearance and improving the aesthetics of your teeth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are not right for everyone. Patients with poor overall dental health, clenching or grinding habits, or a badly misaligned bite, may not make good candidates for veneers. Only a highly qualified dentist, such as Dr. Bosse, can advise you about what treatments are right for you.
Generally speaking, good candidates for dental veneers are those people who have good oral hygiene, low cavity rate, minor cosmetic dental imperfections such as worn down or heavily stained teeth. Many people have several cosmetic issues which can be addressed with veneers to provide a single dental solution. Ideal candidates also need intact enamel on their teeth to bond the veneers; bonding the veneers to dentin is much weaker than enamel.
They also need to have overall good dental health, moderately straight teeth and are practicing good oral health habits such as brushing three times a day and daily flossing. Veneers are bonded to your natural teeth and require the same daily home care as your natural teeth.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Veneers in Houston
After a detailed oral examination and consultation, Dr. Bosse can advise you regarding dental veneers. He will discuss all of your options and answer your questions concerning materials, cost, the procedure itself, as well as how to care for your new dental veneers.
During your procedure, you should be completely comfortable. You will be given a local anesthetic. If you suffer from severe dental anxiety, we have options such as nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry to ensure that you are comfortable through the procedure.
Once you are properly numbed, the dentist will remove a small fraction of the enamel from your teeth to ensure a proper fit and optimal esthetics. Dental veneers are thin but very strong; your teeth might need to be reduced to avoid bulky and un-esthetic veneers.
Once the teeth have been prepared, an impression will be taken of your teeth. The rationale for this is simple: each veneer is custom fabricated to the exact shape required for your ideal smile. The dentist will also color match your teeth to match your existing teeth or for a complete smile makeover choose the ideal shade to make your smile shine.
While your veneers are being fabricated typically takes about 10-12 days), you will be given temporary veneers for your teeth. On your second visit, the dentist will check out the shade, confirm the proper adaptation of your veneers and assess the overall look of your new veneers to ensure an optimal result. The dentist will then bond the veneers to the surface of your teeth with a veneer bonding cement; the veneer bonding cement will be hardened with a blue light.
Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to confirm that your bite is correct and ensure that your veneers are doing well. Your dentist will also provide information on how to take proper care of your veneers as well as answering any questions you may have regarding your veneers. Wearing a night guard is recommended to increase the longevity of your porcelain veneers.
Why Greenspoint Dental is the Best Place to Get Your Dental Veneers in Houston
At Greenspoint Dental in Houston, we are committed to safe, effective and gentle dental care. Whether you need a crown or an implant, a filling, orthodontic treatment, or advanced cosmetic and restorative dental services, we can help you achieve optimal dental health. If you would like to know more about our affordable, yet sophisticated dental practice, please call (281) 823-9987 today, or click here to schedule an appointment.