Are Veneers Right for You? Ask Yourself These Questions to Find Out.
When it’s time for photos, do you usually flash a closed-mouth smile? Are you embarrassed about your discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth? Do you tend to cover your mouth with your hand when you laugh or even talk to hide your teeth? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may want to consider the benefits of porcelain veneers. These thin-but-durable shells are placed over natural teeth to camouflage and correct a host of bothersome dental issues. Veneers are a popular option because they work to quickly and effectively improve and enhance the quality of your smile.
The skilled dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX are restorative dental experts who know the remarkable results that are possible with custom-crafted porcelain veneers. They also offer Lumineers, an alternative option to porcelain veneers, which are thinner than traditional veneers. These long-lasting devices require less preparation of the natural teeth in order to be applied.
It is important that patients be considered a good candidate for any type of transformative dental veneers. Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre encourage you to begin the journey toward a natural-looking, stunning smile by pondering these questions about veneers.
Are your dental concerns mostly cosmetic?
The majority of patients opt for veneers because they want a straighter, whiter smile. Veneers can be used to address aesthetic concerns including small gaps, cracks, and chips as well as misshapen and stained teeth. While treatments such as cosmetic bonding and teeth whitening also can improve the appearance of the teeth, veneers are capable of completely making over a smile by treating several teeth at once. In some cases, they are a superior choice over light-activated teeth whitening treatments, especially when the teeth are seriously and deeply stained. Veneers may also serve as an excellent substitute for dental implants to fully restore the smile when the teeth feature multiple gaps.
Is having a perfect smile important to you?
While few things are ever truly perfect, veneers can create what most men and women in the Houston area would consider to be a set of perfect, natural-looking teeth. A common complaint about previous generations of veneers was that they looked a little too perfect, which caused them to appear fake. Thanks to advancements in restorative dental technology, modern veneers allow Houston patients to improve their smile while maintaining the personality traits that have come to define it. If you are known for having a gap in your front teeth, for example, with custom porcelain veneers a slight space can remain but be made to look less prominent.
Are you in good oral health?
If you’re considering veneers, your teeth and gums must be healthy. Dr. Davis and Dr. Guerre of Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX will perform a thorough dental exam. Any decay, periodontal (gum) disease, plaque buildup, or other dental conditions that are discovered must be addressed and treated in advance of placing your veneers. Because the tooth-colored porcelain devices will be bonded to the front of your natural teeth, covering up cavities or masking gum infections will only make the problems worse and could jeopardize the long-term success of your veneers.
Are your teeth unusually small?
Microdontia is a hereditary condition that causes adult teeth to appear small and underdeveloped, similar to baby teeth. Patients with this condition usually have numerous gaps in their teeth. Porcelain veneers can be a good option for men and women in the Houston area with microdontia. They help to make the smile more proportionate to the face. The expert cosmetic dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates have used porcelain veneers to help numerous microdontia patients feel more confident about their appearance and give them something to smile about once more.
Do you clench your teeth or suffer from bruxism?
Have you noticed yourself clenching your teeth throughout the day? Does your jaw ache when you wake up after grinding your teeth all night? These are signs of bruxism, a condition that can significantly impact one’s oral health. The pressure that results from repeated clenching and grinding of the natural teeth can cause chips, fractures and, in some cases, dental misalignment. It also can damage porcelain veneers. Patients with bruxism may be advised to wear a custom-made night guard to better protect their natural teeth as well as their veneers. As an added bonus, better quality, more restful sleep may be achieved as a result of wearing
a night guard.
Do you plan to take care of your veneers?
At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, veneers are typically made of durable, high-quality porcelain. However, similar to natural teeth, they require consistent, proper care in order to keep them looking and functioning their best. Eating hard candy or chewing on ice can cause veneers to chip or crack, and should be avoided. Similarly, refrain from using your teeth to open packages and other items, as well as for cutting tape, since this can cause the veneers to shift out of place. While veneers are more stain-resistant than the enamel of natural teeth, it is still important to follow proper oral hygiene practices to keep your porcelain veneers looking their best. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and attend regular dental checkups so that your veneers can remain beautiful for many years.
Are you ready for a new-and-improved smile?
We hope these questions about veneers gave you something to chew on as you consider investing in this restorative cosmetic dental treatment. During your consultation at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre will inquire about your aesthetic goals, assess your teeth and gums, and expertly determine whether veneers are an excellent option for you. Schedule an appointment today and make your dream of having a spectacular smile come true!