10 Jun 2022
8 Frequently Asked Questions about Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. They can help you disguise many dental imperfections, including gaps, cracks, chips, and more. However, many people interested in getting them feel they need more information before they can decide on the matter.
To help you learn more about this procedure and decide if it is right for you, here are some of the most common questions our patients have asked about composite veneers.
8 Common Questions Patients Ask About Composite Veneers
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are thin layers of synthetic material that are placed over teeth to improve their appearance. As their name suggests, they are made from composite, the same material that white dental fillings are made of. They may be fabricated directly by shaping the composite on the tooth or indirectly, using impressions of your teeth and laboratory equipment. When your veneers are complete, your dentist will bond them to your teeth.
It is important to note that veneers are permanent and cannot be removed. If you ever damage your veneers, you will need to replace them with new ones. Do not get veneers unless you are certain that you want to wear them for your entire life.
What Are the Benefits of Having Composite Resin Veneers?
Composite veneers are an excellent cosmetic dental solution for people with limited budgets. They can be used to improve the appearance of your smile in any way you choose, allowing you to modify the shape, structure, size, and position of certain teeth. They come in a range of different colours and can easily be matched to the colour of your natural enamel for a more realistic and subtle appearance. They are also less expensive than porcelain veneers and can be applied more quickly and with fewer appointments.
Who Can Get Composite Resin Veneers?
Any adult who wants to improve the appearance of their smile can get composite veneers. No matter what age you are or how many dental imperfections you want to disguise, veneers may be able to help.
Note that you must have healthy teeth and gums to receive dental veneers. If you have any dental or gingival health problems, be sure to have them treated before undergoing the procedure for veneers. The dentist who will be placing your veneers will be happy to diagnose and treat any oral health issues you have before beginning.
Do Composite Veneers Stain?
Yes, composite veneers can become stained. This happens the same way that natural teeth stain. Particles from dark-coloured food and drink, including wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, soy sauce, curry sauce, and more, stick to your veneers when you consume those items.
Over time, those particles bond to the surface of the veneers and permanently change their colour. This can also happen with tobacco smoke due to the tar that is present in many cigarette products. Avoid these items to keep your veneers white and shiny for as long as possible.
Can You Whiten Composite Veneers?
To an extent, yes. Composite veneers can be polished similarly to natural teeth, which is sometimes enough to remove some surface stains. You can also sometimes lighten the teeth beneath the veneers enough to make the veneers themselves look lighter.
However, whitening composite veneers is more difficult than whitening natural teeth and results are not guaranteed. The best way to keep your veneers white is to avoid stains in the first place. Once stains set in, you will almost certainly have to get your veneers replaced to whiten your smile again.
How Are Composite Veneers Applied?
The first step in the process of applying composite veneers is to remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. This gives the veneers enough room to adhere to your teeth without feeling too bulky.
After this, the veneers are made. While most types of veneers must be fabricated in a lab, composite veneers can be sculpted directly on the altered surface of your teeth. Your dentist may also take an impression of your teeth and have the veneers fabricated off-site instead.
Once you have approved the final look of your veneers, they are bonded directly onto the teeth using a special light. Your dentist will then touch them up slightly to perfect their shape and polish them to make them shine. By the end of the procedure, your new veneers should look almost indistinguishable from your other teeth.
How Much Do Composite Veneers Cost?
The cost of composite veneers can vary significantly depending on factors such as where your dentist’s office is located, their skill level, and how many veneers you need. You can expect to pay less than you would if you were getting porcelain veneers from the same dental office, but beyond that, the cost is impossible to predict.
If you are trying to fit the cost of composite veneers into your budget, ask your dentist for an estimate. Only they know the specifics of your case and can give you an accurate estimate that reflects all those variables.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain veneers do – usually just 5 to 7 years instead of 10 to 15. However, you can extend the life of your veneers by taking good care of them.
Avoid opening packages or biting hard foods with your front teeth. Use tools like knives and scissors instead. If you grind your teeth at night, get a mouthguard to keep the habit from putting extra stress on your veneers. Brush your teeth regularly to avoid built-up stains.
Get Stunning Composite Veneers in Mississauga at Trillium Smile Dentistry
Composite veneers can completely change the look of your teeth, restoring your natural beauty and self-confidence. If you are interested in undergoing this procedure, invest in dazzling high-quality veneers from Trillium Smile Dentistry. Contact us at 905-828-9894 or through our online form and book an appointment today. Our team will walk you through all the steps in the process of getting composite veneers and help you determine how best to achieve your dream smile.
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09 Jun 2022
7 Tooth Problems that Dental Crowns Can Fix
Dental crowns are small, sturdy caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. These simple prosthetics have been around for thousands of years, but many people do not realize how versatile they are. Crowns can be used to solve a number of common dental problems, including some that are difficult to treat any other way. The issues listed below are just some of the many applications for these incredible dental enhancements.
Using Dental Crowns to Solve 7 Common Oral Health Problems
Large Fillings
If you have had significant cavities in the past, your dentist may have repaired those cavities with large dental fillings. This solution gets rid of the immediate problem, but it does not lead to good long-term outcomes. Large fillings weaken the tooth and may lead to breakage.
When it is time to have those large fillings replaced, your dentist may recommend that you get crowns on those teeth instead. This is an especially good idea if a filling covers more than half the tooth’s width or if the tooth has cracks around the filling’s margins, as these are signs that it may soon break.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth that have sustained cracks or have broken in places can no longer stand up to the stresses of regular use. Dental crowns can restore their structure and stability, allowing you to chew and speak without fearing that you will cause further damage. In many cases, adding a tooth crown will strengthen the tooth enough to extend its lifespan by many years.
Enamel Repair
Tooth enamel is very strong, but it can be worn down by things like overconsumption of acidic foods, overzealous brushing, or teeth grinding. Since tooth enamel cannot be replaced, the only way to simulate the protection that the enamel once offered is to cover the tooth with a crown. The procedure involves removing much of the damaged enamel on the tooth, so your crowned tooth will be as strong as any other tooth when the process is complete.
Decayed Teeth
Teeth with extensive decay are severely structurally compromised. They may no longer have the strength to stay intact during chewing and speaking. Eventually, they are sure to crack or break. Covering these teeth with a crown instead of filling them with composite gives them additional structural strength. This provides them with enough durability to withstand the normal forces of daily usage. In many cases, applying a dental crown may be the only way to save a severely decayed tooth from extraction.
Damaged or Imperfect Teeth
Many people have one or two front teeth that they wish looked less out of place. Dental crowns can disguise minor problems like chips, cracks, or slight positional imperfections. They can also be used to alter a tooth’s size, shape, and colour. There are many different types of dental crowns available to help you achieve the exact look you want. Ask your dentist for guidance if you have a cosmetic dental problem you are interested in addressing with crowns. They can tell you which materials will produce the best results for your needs.
Uneven Bite
A tooth that is slightly smaller, larger, or differently shaped than its neighbours can significantly disrupt the equilibrium of your bite. A dental crown can alter the shape of your tooth to help it fit in with the others around it. This can relieve some of the discomfort caused by minor bite abnormalities. Your dentist will let you know if crowns are a viable option to address your bite problems or if more extensive treatment like orthodontics would be more appropriate.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you have worn down the enamel on your teeth, you may have trouble eating hot and cold foods without pain. This is because your enamel normally insulates the sensitive dentin and pulp inside your teeth from the harsh temperatures of your food and drink.
Since a dental crown covers those parts of the tooth the same way your enamel would, these prosthetics can sometimes help patients overcome tooth sensitivity. This is not a guaranteed result – in some cases, a tooth may become more sensitive after being crowned. However, people with persistent sensitivity problems may feel it is worth the risk.
Get Beautiful, Long-Lasting Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may have myriad possible uses, but only those that are expertly crafted and properly installed will be effective in the long run. At Trillium Smile Dentistry, we want you to look and feel your best after getting dental crowns. Call us today at 905-828-9894 or contact us using our online form to inquire about dental crown costs, learn more about the procedure, or book your appointment to receive a crown of your own.