Cosmetic veneers are a common treatment for several different issues with the surfaces of the front teeth. Made of porcelain, they restore your teeth to a natural look and color, covering surface damage or severe discoloration.

Caring for Your Veneers

Veneers are made out of porcelain and are very thin. Before they are placed on your teeth, they are delicate and breakable, but your cosmetic dentist affixed them to your teeth with a special adhesive. When the veneers bond to your teeth, they are durable and can last a long time. However, you need to take some precautions to ensure they are not damaged or stained over time. [pullquote]When the veneers bond to your teeth, they are durable and can last a long time. However, you need to take some precautions to ensure they are not damaged or stained over time.[/pullquote]

If you’re careful with your veneers, they can last for several years. Some ways to keep your veneers in good shape include:

  • Regular brushing and flossing
  • Regular visits to the dentist
  • Avoid staining agents
  • Avoid biting ice or other hard items

If you go in for a dental visit, be sure to tell your hygienist that you have veneers. They will use special tools to ensure your restoration work is not accidentally damaged.

If your teeth become stained after veneer treatment, they cannot be whitened, so be careful about exposure to tea, coffee, and nicotine. Biting ice, pens, or metal objects can chip the edges of the veneer, so this should also be avoided.

Treatment with Veneers

Your cosmetic dentist might recommend a veneer to treat numerous issues with your teeth. This might include severe discoloration, chips or cracks in the tooth surfaces, or pitting. They can also be used to disguise slight misalignment or minor gaps between your teeth. Using a veneer to restore this kind of damage is generally preferred to using a crown because a crown requires much more restructuring of the underlying tooth. A veneer is so thin that very little enamel must be removed from your tooth to make room for it.

If you have questions about how restoration with a veneer can help restore the look of your smile, please contact our office.