Your teeth endure a large amount of wear during your everyday life. This wear can lead to some imperfections that may make you hesitant to show your true smile. Luckily, Rutgers Health University Dental Associates offers a simple procedure that can help correct these blemishes. Dental veneers provide an upgraded smile that will have you beaming with confidence. If you’re interested in dental veneers, we’ll cover everything you need to know here.
Having a Veneer Installed
When a tooth has a cosmetic defect, a veneer can help. A veneer is a hard casing made to mimic the natural look of your teeth that is bonded in front of the problematic tooth. These veneers are made from porcelain, a durable substance that is resistant to staining and can last up to 15 years without needing a replacement.
Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure the veneer is shaped correctly for your mouth. Once the veneer has been created to match the mold, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and scraped to allow the adhesive to stick properly. The dentist will carefully place the veneer, and you will be all set to face the world with your new and improved smile.
Common Uses for Veneers
Having a veneer installed can help solve a number of problems. Veneers can be shaped in a variety of ways, and multiple veneers can be used for an issue affecting more than one tooth. Some common uses for veneers include:
- A cracked or chipped tooth: If you have experienced a crack in your tooth, a veneer can be placed over it to hide the damage and stop the crack from expanding.
- Irregularly shaped tooth: If you have a tooth that is shaped differently than the rest of your teeth or is a different size, a veneer can be used to even things out for a seamless smile.
- Discolored teeth: A veneer can mask a tooth that has staining or another form of discoloration so it matches the rest of your teeth.
- Gaps between your teeth: For teeth that have a large space between them, wide veneers can be placed to help narrow the gap.
Caring for Your Veneer
Your veneers are only effective in improving your smile if you take proper care of them to make sure they stay intact. Only use your teeth for chewing food, and when you do, try to only use your back teeth that are farther away from the veneers in the front. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or gnawing on items like pen caps, which can damage the veneer. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard while you play to prevent damage to the veneer as well. Following these guidelines will help increase the lifespan of your veneer and delay the need for a replacement.
Improve Your Smile
If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, there is always a solution available. Rutgers Health University Dental Associates offers many prosthodontic services, including dental veneers, that can restore or replace your teeth for a more confident, beautiful smile. To consult with a dentist about the possible next steps for your dental health, contact either of our locations in Newark or New Brunswick, New Jersey.