A perfectly straight smile is considered a desirable feature, though very few people naturally have one. Many folks are plagued by crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth that detract from their appearance. You know that braces could realign your grin, but it’s natural to want to avoid the hassle of having metal brackets bonded to your teeth.
If you’re wondering whether alternative options exist, you’re in luck! Your dentist can provide veneers for the perfect teeth you’ve always dreamed of. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask unsightly flaws like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, and mild misalignments. They’re color-customized to match your teeth, so no one can tell the difference. They’re also coated with a glaze that is durable enough to resist additional damage and can last 15+ years with proper care.
It’s worth noting that for these covers to rest flesh against your gums, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from any underlying teeth. Because this protective outer layer doesn’t grow back, the change is considered permanent, and you’ll need veneers or another prosthetic to protect your pearly whites.
Can Veneers Straighten Teeth?
Although veneers can be placed to hide small gaps or overcrowding, they don’t exert pressure on your teeth to move them as orthodontic treatments do. They’re intended to improve your appearance rather than reposition your crooked grin. Your dentist can design and situate them to cover any gapped or overlapping teeth to give them a more evenly spaced appearance. Once they’re bonded in place, you’ll instantly have a more balanced smile, which is why some providers refer to these prosthetics as “instant orthodontics.”
How Can I Maintain My Results?
Because many insurance policies don’t cover the cost of cosmetic services like veneers, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to preserve your recently upgraded grin. Some tips to caring for your restorations include:
- Watch what you eat. Although they resist potential harm, it’s possible for your veneers to be chipped, cracked, or stained if you eat too many overly hard, crunchy, or darkly colored foods.
- Maintain your routine. Cleaning your restorations is as simple as brushing and flossing twice daily, though you might want to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Don’t use teeth as tools. Opening mail, boxes, and packages with your teeth can harm them, so it’s better to find the right tool for the job.
- Avoid teeth grinding. If you suffer from bruxism (or chronic teeth grinding), your veneers can break. Your dentist can provide a night guard or other solution to preserve them.
Although veneers don’t shift your teeth, your dentist can use them to give you the straighter-looking smile you’ve always dreamed of.
About the Author
Dr. Haiwen Zhang takes pride in offering a full array of services conveniently under one roof to meet all your dental needs. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine and continues his education with ongoing courses through Spear Education and the Pankey Institute. He prioritizes patient comfort, and utilizes state-of-the-art technology for accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re interested in veneers, you can request an appointment on the website or call (505) 372-1121.