Dental Veneers and Oral Health

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin bonded to the teeth' front surface to improve their appearance. They are designed to cover imperfections such as stains, chips, cracks, or gaps, providing a natural-looking and durable solution. The process involves minimal preparation of the natural tooth structure, after which the veneers are carefully crafted to match the desired color, shape, and size. Once bonded in place, veneers enhance the smile's aesthetics by creating a uniform appearance and can offer strength and resilience similar to natural tooth enamel.

Different Types of Dental Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of dental ceramic that are custom-crafted to fit over the front surface of teeth. They are known for their durability and natural appearance, making them popular for enhancing smiles. Porcelain veneersare highly resistant to stains, which helps maintain a bright smile over time. They are custom-made in a dental lab to match your natural teeth' shape, size, and color, providing a seamless and natural-looking result. The process typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth's surface to accommodate the veneer and then bonding the veneer securely using dental adhesive.

Benefits:

• Porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, providing a translucent and lifelike appearance.

• Porcelain is highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, and other substances, maintaining a bright smile over time.

• They can be customized in shape, size, and color to match adjacent teeth seamlessly.

• Porcelain is well-tolerated by gum tissue, reducing the risk of gum irritation.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin materials that are directly applied and sculpted by the dentist onto the teeth. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers and can often be completed in a dental visit. Composite veneers are ideal for minor smile enhancements, such as repairing small chips, improving tooth discoloration, or reshaping teeth. The application process involves the dentist bonding the composite material directly onto the tooth's surface and then shaping and polishing it to achieve the desired appearance. While composite veneers may not last as long as porcelain veneers, they can still provide significant aesthetic improvements and are easier to repair if damaged.

Benefits:

• Composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain, making them accessible to more patients.

• It often requires minimal tooth preparation to preserve a more natural tooth structure.

• Composite veneers can be easily repaired if chipped or damaged, usually in a single visit.

• Composite veneers can be a good option for minor corrections and quick smile enhancements.

The Dental Veneer Process

The dental veneer process begins with an initial consultation where our dentist in Chesterfield, MO, assesses your oral health and discusses your cosmeticgoals. This comprehensive evaluation includes examining your teeth, taking X-rays, and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Once you decide to proceed, the next step involves preparing your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel from the front surface, ensuring a proper fit for the veneers. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians craft custom veneers to match your natural teeth' color, shape, and size. Temporary veneers may be placed to protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile while the permanent ones are being made.

When your custom veneers are ready, you return to the dentist for fitting and bonding. Our dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to check their fit and appearance, making any necessary adjustments. The veneers are then permanently bonded to your teeth using a special cement and a curing light, which hardens the bond quickly. Final adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite and a natural look. After the procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is crucial for the longevity of your veneers. Additionally, avoiding hard objects and using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth can help protect your new smile. Contact us today to learn more.

Tips for Caring for Dental Veneers

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching or damaging the veneers.

• Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline, preventing plaque buildup.

Avoid Staining Agents

• Minimize consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.

• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming these beverages to reduce the risk of staining.

Be Cautious with Certain Foods

• Avoid biting into hard objects or using your teeth to open packages to prevent chipping or veneer damage.

• Cut hard and sticky foods into smaller pieces to reduce veneer stress.

Use a Mouthguard

• Wear a mouthguard when you risk dental injury during sports or activities to protect your veneers and natural teeth.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

• Schedule regular dental visits every six months for professional cleanings and examinations.

• Inform our dentist that you have veneers so they can check for any issues and ensure they are adequately maintained.

Dental veneers offer a versatile and effective cosmetic solution for achieving a beautiful, natural-looking smile that can positively impact your overall dental health and quality of life. Visit LICATA DENTAL: FAYE LICATA, DMD, FAGDat 111 Hilltown Village Center, Suite 200, Chesterfield, MO 63017, or call (636) 532-2101 to book your consultation and discover how dental veneers can give you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.