Dental Veneers at Alachua Family Dentistry
At Alachua Family Dentistry we understand the importance of a nice smile. Cosmetic dentistry is not just one of our specialties – it is an approach that influences everything we do at our dental practice.
One common cosmetic solution to an imperfect smile is dental veneers. But what are dental veneers and what do you need to know when deciding whether they are the right solution for you?
What Are Dental Veneers?
If you’re looking for the perfect smile, veneers may help. Also known as dental veneers and dental porcelain laminates, veneers are another easy and effortless way to redefine the look of your teeth.
Veneers are thin layers or shells of medical-grade porcelain that bond to the front of existing teeth. Through an uncomplicated procedure that spans as few as two to three visits, Alachua Family Dentistry can apply veneers that cover your existing teeth and remain in place for five to ten years.
How Veneers Are Installed
To customize veneers for your teeth, Alachua Family Dentistry makes impressions of your teeth that we use to mold the veneers. We then buff the teeth to remove a thin layer of enamel that will allow for the thickness of the veneer. The veneers bond to the teeth using special cement and a special light. Veneers are non-reversible because a small amount of enamel is removed for the procedure.
Are Veneers Right For Me?
At Alachua Family Dentistry, the intention of placing veneers is always to conserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. They are a very reasonable approach to improving the shape, size, and color of your teeth.
Veneers are ideal for solving a variety of dental problems including:
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Veneers perfect mouths instantly with their ability to lengthen, enlarge, and straighten teeth. Veneers resist stains, stabilize the gum tissues, restore teeth edges, and renew old dental work all while looking completely natural. Alachua Family Dentistry has placed countless veneers and our patients enjoy the powerful, positive difference they make.
How to Take Care of Veneers
Veneers need just as much tender loving care as your normal teeth, if not more. Here are some helpful hints to keep your veneers looking beautiful:
- Brushing and flossing as you normally would is fine. You may want to be a less abrasive toothpaste so that you don’t wear away the porcelain over time.
- Proper oral hygiene helps make veneers last as long as possible. Just because veneers aren’t part of your natural teeth doesn’t mean that they never wear out or stain. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help protect your new veneers and prolong their life.
- Avoid stain-inducing foods. Coffee and other stain-inducing foods can dull your veneers just as they do your normal teeth. The veneer’s porcelain surface isn’t perfectly smooth, its slight porousness works similarly to your teeth and can dull with time.
Veneers May Not Last Forever
While veneers are durable and fairly long-lasting, they can wear out over time. Proper oral hygiene and gentle care can maximize their lifespan, but veneers typically wear out after 10-20 years.
Because the dentist removes some of your enamel to install the veneers if they wear out they will have to be replaced. Make sure you consider all your solutions and know your options.
Get Dental Veneers at Alachua Family Dentistry
With a friendly consultation, we can help you determine if teeth whitening or veneers are right for you. Contact Alachua Family Dentistry today to speak to our knowledgeable dentists about your cosmetic dental needs.
