Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to feel depressed, anxious, or avoid spending time with others? One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is crooked or overcrowded, you might worry about being judged for the way you look.
You may already know that your dentist can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence with porcelain veneers. However, it’s natural to question whether this treatment can give you a straighter grin. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are small, ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask imperfections. The tooth-colored material can be customized to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth for seamless results. They’re a versatile solution commonly used to address aesthetic concerns like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, and slight misalignments.
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel for these covers to fit correctly, which can leave you slightly more vulnerable to cavities or other injuries. Thankfully, these restorations are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist damage and discoloration to provide your grin with an added layer of protection. Plus, they can last 25 or more years if cared for correctly.
Can Veneers Straighten Teeth?
If you’ve ever heard anyone referring to veneers as “instant orthodontics” it’s natural to wonder whether they can reposition your teeth. While it’s true that they can be used to improve the way your crooked grin looks, they don’t exert pressure on your teeth to move them like orthodontic treatments do.
However, your dentist can deliberately arrange them over your teeth to hide overcrowding or gaps to give you a much more even appearance, which is presumably why they have this nickname.
How Can I Maintain My Veneers?
Your restorations can give your smile a perfectly straight appearance for decades if they’re properly maintained. You can extend their longevity by:
- Establishing a routine. You should brush and floss twice daily to ensure that the teeth under your veneers don’t develop cavities or gum disease that can destabilize them.
- Watch what you eat. Overly hard foods like ice and candy can chip or crack your prosthetics, and sticky or sweet ones can yank them out of place and should be avoided.
- Protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night or participate in team sports or high-contact activities, you may want to ask your dentist for a mouth guard or night guard that ensures you won’t break your veneers.
- Schedule regular visits. You should see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so they can catch and address areas of concern, like thinning enamel, before your veneers are affected.
If you’re unsure whether veneers can give you the smile of your dreams, the best way to find out is to consult with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Galleria Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists with 40+ years of combined experience helping people improve their dental health. They work together to offer a comprehensive array of services under one roof, including cosmetic solutions like veneers. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns and then tailor treatment plans to help address them using state-of-the-art technology. You can request an appointment on the website or call (239) 592-5112.