The importance of first impressions is stressed upon us from childhood. But did you know that even if you always say the right thing and observe every rule of etiquette, your smile could be undercutting your efforts to put your best foot forward?
That was the conclusion of one recent study, where researchers found that individuals with healthy, straight teeth are perceived as more trustworthy, confident, and approachable.
Even if you hadn't read that study, you probably already knew the value of a sterling smile. That's why solutions like dental veneers are so popular. This cosmetic procedure is one of the best ways to restore luster to your smile.
But is it the right solution for you? To find out, take a look at this veneer guide to learn what the procedure entails, who is a good candidate, and the benefits that come with it.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells that fit over the front surfaces of damaged teeth. They are one of the most common dental services used to restore the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, or have significant staining.
They tend to be made from either porcelain or a strong, high-quality resin. Both materials tend to be quite sturdy and are good at mimicking the appearance of natural, healthy teeth.
One reason that dental veneers are so popular is that they are a less intensive solution than bridges or implants. There's no surgery required and placing veneers only takes one visit. They also tend to be much more cost-effective than bridges or implants.
Once installed, veneers not only improve the look of your smile but can help protect your teeth from further damage. And they enjoy a respectable lifespan, lasting as long as 20 years in some cases.
A major benefit of dental veneers is their versatility. Most people who opt for them have suffered significant damage to their teeth. This damage can be due to poor care, physical trauma, or normal wear over a lifetime.
Some patients with healthy teeth can still benefit from dental veneers. Those with small front teeth may use veneers to make their smile look more uniform. The same may be true for individuals with gaps or crooked teeth.
In some cases, veneers are used as replacements for old, worn, or damaged fillings. They can also refresh a person's smile if it's tarnished by deep, persistent stains or discoloration.
Most individuals are good candidates for veneers, with only a few important exceptions.
Because they need to be bonded to the teeth, a patient needs to have a reasonable amount of their natural tooth structure left. If they don't, they may need a full-coverage restoration, like a crown, before they can consider having a veneer applied. Existing tooth restorations that would need replacing pose a problem for the same reason.
You also can't have veneers applied if you have active periodontal disease. Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can affect the jawbone if left untreated. The damage causes the teeth to become loose, and may even result in tooth loss.
Applying veneers to a patient affected by periodontitis would mean placing them on an unstable foundation. So it's important to treat the infection and allow the gums to heal before considering dental veneers.
There are three main types of veneers, and the application process and amount of prep work needed will vary depending on which you opt for.
Porcelain veneers are the traditional option and many dentists favor them for their realistic appearance and incredible durability. For example, at a high-end Chicago dentist practice like City Edge Dental, the professionals will almost always propose porcelain veneers over the alternatives.
To prepare an individual for porcelain veneers, the dentist first needs to grind down the front of the tooth structure, sometimes removing much of the enamel. They'll then take a cast of the teeth to serve as the basis for the veneer.
Preparing the permanent veneers may take several weeks. During this time, the patient may be fitted with temporary veneers to protect their teeth. Once the final veneers are ready, their dentist will cement them onto the prepared teeth.
Composite veneers are less durable, being made from layers of resin instead of hard porcelain. But they require less preparation.
To prepare the patient, the dentist makes etches on the teeth. This gives the resin a better surface to bond to. They then add several layers of the composite material to build the teeth to the proper size before cutting and grinding them into the desired shape.
No-prep veneers are the least-invasive option, only needing light enamel removal to fit them in place. Not everyone is a candidate for these, however. You'll need to discuss whether they're an option for you with your dentist.
No matter what type of dental veneers you opt for, it's important to take proper care of them. This will help extend their lifespan and keep your smile looking its best for as long as possible.
You should avoid bad habits like chewing on pens, ice, or your fingernails. Opening packaging with your teeth is another habit to avoid.
Veneers on your front teeth will be thinner and less supported since there's less tooth structure there. Avoid chewing with your front teeth as much as possible, eat hard foods with your back teeth only. Cut up large bites beforehand if needed.
You also need to protect your veneers from trauma as you would with your natural teeth. This means wearing a mouthguard if you play sports, and using a sleep guard or retainer if you grind your teeth at night.
As with any procedure, finding a dentist you can count on is the key factor. And City Edge Dental is proud to be among the best providers in the industry.
Not only do we provide dental veneers and a range of other cosmetic procedures, but we also provide general family dentistry to help keep you and you're loved ones smiling throughout every stage of life.
Whether you're ready to rejuvenate your smile or just need a dentist in Chicago, IL, that you can count on, contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
