5 Significant Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth
A straighter smile certainly has aesthetic benefits, and can improve self-confidence and self-esteem, but did you know that teeth straightening can also improve your health? Here’s how.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Are you considering cosmetic dental veneers? There are several options, including porcelain or composite veneers. However, you need to look at the state of your teeth and oral health first, so you can make the right decision about how to improve your smile — whether that’s with veneers, dental implants, or a complete smile makeover.
At Lancaster Dental Care Associates in Lancaster, California, cosmetic and family dentist Kamran Saidara, DDS, and his team offer porcelain veneers to fix a wide range of cosmetic dental flaws. Here’s a quick guide to veneers, so you and Dr. Saidara can decide on the best cosmetic dentistry option for you.
Reasons to get veneers
Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile when you don't want or need (or can’t currently afford) full smile reconstruction. Veneers can:
- Even out the appearance of your teeth if any look too long or short
- Fix a smile that’s too toothy or gummy
- Cover up small imperfections like cracks or chips
- Cover discoloration for a bright, white smile
- Straighten your smile if you have one or more slightly crooked teeth
It’s easy to boost your smile from pretty and practical to gorgeous and red carpet-worthy with veneers.
How veneers work
Getting veneers is easy and just takes two dental visits. At the first visit, we prep your teeth by shaving off a very fine layer of enamel so the veneers fit smoothly against your teeth. We take molds and send them off to have your veneers fabricated.
At the second visit, we attach your new porcelain veneers to your teeth, checking for fit and appearance and bonding them in place. Then your new smile is ready to go.
Porcelain vs. composite veneers
Some dentists offer veneers made of a dental composite. However, we have our patients’ veneers fabricated from porcelain, which gives you the closest look to natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are also more durable and last longer than composite veneers.
The longevity of porcelain veneers
You can expect your new set of porcelain veneers to last up to 20 years before needing replacement. That’s a significant difference compared to composite veneers, which normally only stand up to wear-and-tear for 5-7 years.
Who should avoid veneers?
If you have gum disease, veneers may not be the right choice for you unless/until you reverse your gum condition. Likewise, whether you have several missing teeth or just one, it’s better to use another option like a dental implant or a bridge with a tooth restoration instead of veneers to correct your smile.
To learn more about porcelain veneers, or to schedule an appointment, call our office at 661-215-8130 or request an appointment online today at Lancaster Dental Care Associates.
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