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Determining If You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers

For some patients, dental veneers in Woodbridge, VA make the most ideal choice when it comes to aesthetic smile improvement. However, this cosmetic dentistry treatment is not the best choice for all patients or even all aesthetic concerns. Take a look at a few things the dentist will consider when deciding if veneers are right for you.

How is your overall oral health?

Veneers are the best choice for a patient who has relatively good oral health. Veneers work well for covering stains or addressing shape and size concerns. However, they cannot be used to conceal something like untreated decay and they are not the best option for individuals with some levels of gum disease or issues with enamel erosion.

What issues are you looking to address?

For the most part, dental veneers are best for addressing mild to moderate aesthetic issues, such as:

  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Discolored or stained teeth
  • Misaligned or uneven teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Worn down teeth
  • Irregularly shaped teeth
  • Slightly crooked teeth

Are you looking for long-term improvements?

Veneers typically last between 7 to 15 years, depending on factors such as oral hygiene, the type of veneers you choose to have installed, and lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. With proper care, including regular dental check-ups and avoiding harmful foods, they can maintain their appearance and function for many years.

Schedule a Consultation with a Woodbridge, VA Dentist

If you have issues with your smile that you want to address, it is best to start with a thorough consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge, VA. For example, at Niles Dental, we will do a thorough evaluation and then make recommendations about the best options for your budget, preferences, and concerns. Contact our office to schedule your consultation today.

 Will Gum Disease Affect Veneers?

When your Tampa, FL dentist examines you to see if you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, they’re looking for overall healthy teeth and gums. Remember, dental veneers are not a form of treatment, although they can address certain issues of the teeth. Veneers are a purely cosmetic “fix,” though. They fix appearance, not underlying problems. For instance, veneers fix a smile so that gaps, permanent stains and other certain imperfections are hidden behind the veneers. When it comes to serious conditions such as gum disease, dental veneers and gum disease don’t mix well.

Problems With Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a serious condition where the gums of the mouth are infected with bacteria. It’s serious because gum disease often makes teeth loose and—untreated—can end up with permanent tooth loss. This is something that no dental veneers, no matter how beautiful they are, can address.

Gum Disease and Dental Veneers

Your dentist will need to treat any existing gum disease before applying veneers. But in the end, after your teeth and gums are free from periodontitis, you can enjoy the more attractive appearance made possible with the veneers.

If you develop gum disease after the dental veneers are in place, the sad fact is that the veneers can’t protect your teeth or gums. Again, they’re only there for cosmetic purposes. If you don’t get your gum disease treated, your affected teeth may loosen and fall out, just as they would if you had no dental veneers at all. And in a scenerio like that, you’d be looking at restorative—not cosmetic solutions.

If you have dental veneers in Tampa, FL, or you’re thinking of getting dental veneers, it’s important to visit your dentist for routine dental exams. Contact us today to start!

Wondering About Dental Veneers? What to Know 

If your teeth have cosmetic problems like gaps, chips, and stains, there are many things you can do to address these problems. One of the solutions your dentist in Tampa, FL, may suggest is dental veneers. If you’ve never heard of dental veneers, you may have questions. Your dentist at Elevate Smiles Dental has answers! Here’s what you need to know about dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are slender, tooth-shaped caps that your dentist can place over the front of your teeth to hide cosmetic damage. Dental veneers can hide problems ranging from broken teeth to misshapen teeth! Dental veneers are so effective that no one can tell the difference between your dental veneers and natural teeth.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can last up to 15 years or more if you take good care of them. To make them last as long as possible, brush your teeth twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid chewing on anything made of plastic, and never use your teeth as scissors to cut through packaging.

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

Dental veneers can cover up gaps between teeth, or cover chips in your tooth enamel. If there are stains on your teeth that can’t be fixed with dental whitening, your dental veneers can cover those as well. Your dental veneers can even make your teeth look longer, to resolve a gummy smile!

Do you think you would like your dentist to install dental veneers in Tampa FL? If so, contact Elevate Smiles Dental to get started.

Guide to Caring For Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options available today. As a treatment for permanent stains, unsightly gaps, chips or just unattractive teeth, dental veneers offer a high quality, permanent solution. If you’re new to dental veneers in Tampa, FL, you’ll want to know all about how to care for them in order to keep them looking their best for years to come!

Avoid Over-the-Counter Whiteners

If, over time, you feel like you wish your dental veneers were whiter, consult with your dentist at Elevate Smiles Dental. Whatever you do, don’t use any drugstore teeth whitening products. These products are inferior, and are not made to whiten the materials that your dental veneers are made out of. Using them can ruin your veneers.

Avoid Biting Into Hard Substances

Your dental veneers are durable and able to hold up to normal biting and chewing. But they can easily get damaged if you bite into hard substances like ice, peanut brittle and other hard foods.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Tool

Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, plastic packaging or other things. Your teeth are only meant for biting and chewing and using your teeth as a tool will almost certainly result in damaging your beautiful dental veneers.

Avoid Staining Agents

Veneers can resist stains, but it’s still wise to limit the intake of staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products. If you do consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize potential staining. Some people use a straw if they wish to drink anything with the potential to stain.

By following these dental veneer care tips, you can keep your dental veneers looking great and extend their lifespan. Book an appointment today with your dentist in Tampa, FL to learn more.