Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment that can dramatically refresh and transform a person’s smile. Whether you feel self-conscious because of a chipped front tooth or discolored enamel, porcelain veneers can rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence. If you are searching for a long-term solution to improve your smile, you may want to consider porcelain veneers in Lakewood. Although veneers are not permanent, they can be extremely long-lasting with proper care.
Why Would You Want Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent long-term solution for patients seeking to conceal the following dental imperfections:
- Gapped teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Undersized teeth
Moreover, candidates for porcelain veneers must have sufficient enamel and be in excellent oral health.
Understanding the Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, durable shells that are placed over teeth to conceal a wide range of dental imperfections.
This cosmetic treatment is not considered permanent, as veneers will likely need to be replaced at some point down the road. However, with diligent care and excellent oral hygiene, research has shown that veneers can be a medium-to-long-term cosmetic solution, improving one’s smile for an average of 10 to 15 years. Indeed, some patients may never need to replace their veneers at all!
It is important to note, however, that porcelain veneers are not reversible. In order to make room for veneers in a person’s smile, a small layer of enamel – usually less than a millimeter – must first be removed from the targeted teeth. Enamel does not grow back, so affected teeth will always need to have veneers or crowns going forward.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
Properly caring for your porcelain veneers can help them last as long as possible. Fortunately, porcelain veneer maintenance is easy! Here are a few tips to follow:
- #1: Practice excellent oral hygiene – Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to keep the teeth beneath your veneers healthy. Although veneers themselves do not decay, natural teeth still can develop cavities that compromise veneer treatment.
- #2: Don’t use your teeth as tools – Never use your teeth to tear or rip open packages, even things like thin bags of chips. Doing so may cause your veneers to chip, break, loosen, or even come off entirely. In addition, avoid chewing on ice and hard or sticky foods.
- #3: Play smart – Trauma to the mouth is another reason that veneers may fall off or break. If you enjoy playing pickup basketball games or other contact sports, be sure to wear a custom mouthguard to protect your porcelain veneers.
- #4: Regularly visit a cosmetic dentist in Lakewood: Biannual dental exams and cleanings are an opportunity for your dentist to spot any potential problems before they fully develop. In addition, you will leave every checkup with a smile that feels clean and refreshed!
Why wait any longer? If you feel ready to rejuvenate your smile and reclaim your confidence, talk to a dentist today about long-lasting porcelain veneers in Lakewood.
About the Author
A proud graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Vincenzo “Vinnie” Artino helps patients in Lakewood achieve the beautiful smiles they have always wanted with porcelain veneers. A tireless dental practitioner who believes education in life never ends, Dr. Artino has completed countless hours of continuing education, including in cosmetic dentistry. Lakewood residents interested in vanishing their dental flaws can visit the Lakewood Complete Dentistry website or call Dr. Artino at (303) 238-2800 to learn more about porcelain veneers.