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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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10 May 2022
A Complete Guide to Veneers
Have you ever thought about an aspect of your smile that you would like to fix? Perhaps you chipped a tooth in your childhood and never got it fixed. Maybe you were born with porous, easily stained enamel that never responded to whitening treatments as you hoped. You may even have teeth that are too small or oddly shaped for your liking.
Veneers are the perfect solution to all these problems and more. These cosmetic prostheses allow you to hide your natural teeth behind shells of synthetic material that are shaped to your exact specifications. Our guide will explain this popular cosmetic treatment, including how veneers work, why you might want them, and how to care for them once you get them.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin slivers of synthetic material that are placed on top of the front portion of a tooth. They are created using impressions of your teeth and high-tech laboratory equipment and are shaped according to your treatment plan.
Veneers are a popular option because they allow you to camouflage stained, misaligned, or misshapen teeth. Dental veneers for the front teeth are much more common than ones made for back teeth.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Veneers?
To be a good candidate for veneers, you must:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Have few large fillings and no untreated decay
- Have healthy gums
- Do not grind or clench your teeth
- Have a properly aligned bite
If your teeth or gums are not healthy enough for the procedure, your cosmetic dentist will guide you on how to prepare for get your veneers.
There are also a few potential drawbacks to getting veneers.
- Your teeth may be permanently more sensitive after the procedure.
- You may need to change the way that you eat to keep your veneers intact.
- Once veneers are placed, they cannot be easily removed. You must be committed to replacing your veneers when they wear down or become damaged over time.
It is important that you are prepared to accept these drawbacks if you want to proceed with getting veneers.
Types of Veneers
Two types of veneers are typically used in most procedures:
- Porcelain Veneers. These veneers are made from premium white porcelain. This material simulates the translucency and shine of real teeth very well, making these veneers look exceptionally attractive. However, they are also the most costly option.
- Composite Veneers. These veneers are made from composite resin that is similar to the material used in dental fillings. They are less expensive and require less enamel to be removed for placement, but they also do not look as convincing or attractive as the porcelain variety.
Top Benefits of Getting Dental Veneers
There are many reasons to choose veneers for your next cosmetic dental enhancement.
- They look like pearly natural teeth. Even though they are only thin shells of synthetic material, no one who looks at them would ever guess that they are not real.
- They come in many different shades of white. This lets them easily suit the shade of your natural enamel. If you choose the colour of your veneers carefully, they will blend right in with your natural teeth.
- They can disguise and prevent tooth stains. This includes intrinsic stains that cannot be removed from your tooth enamel.
- They are faster than crowns. While crowns often require multiple appointments, veneers can be applied in one visit in some cases.
- They require less enamel to be removed than crowns. They allow you to enjoy impressive results while preserving as much of your natural teeth as possible.
- They may help prevent tooth decay. By covering your teeth, they reduce the number of tooth surfaces that are exposed to sugars and acids.
- They need little ongoing maintenance. Once your veneers are in place, you should not need to replace them for several years.
Front Teeth Dental Veneers Procedure
When you show interest in veneers, your dentist will set up an initial appointment to discuss the procedure with you.
During this visit, they will examine your teeth and discuss your expectations for treatment. It is important that you understand what veneers can and cannot accomplish before proceeding with treatment. Your dentist will also discuss the cost of your veneers so you can determine how to fit the expense into your budget.
Once you have decided to get veneers, your dentist will make a second appointment to begin the procedure. Your dentist will remove some enamel from your teeth to prepare them for the veneers. They will then take an impression of your teeth to get a perfect representation of their shape. These will then be sent to a lab where the veneers will be fabricated.
When your finished veneers arrive, your dentist will schedule an appointment with you to install them. During this appointment, you will see what the veneers will look like in your mouth. Your dentist can then adjust the shape and colour of the veneers as needed to meet your expectations.
When you are happy with the result, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using dental cement. This process is permanent, so be sure that you are truly satisfied with your veneers before proceeding to this final step.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Most dental veneers last between 5 to 7 years, and some can last 10 years or more. If you want yours to last as long as possible, be sure to take excellent care of them as soon as they are installed.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Veneers are a relatively low-maintenance cosmetic dental treatment. Follow the tips below to keep yours clean, intact, and firmly in place.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
- Do not chew on hard objects like pencils, ice, or fingernails.
- Never use your teeth to open packaging.
- Do not bite into food with your front teeth. Instead, use your back teeth to chew as much as possible.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports, as well as at night if you grind your teeth.
Visit the Best Dentist for Porcelain Veneers in Mississauga
Ready to create the smile you have always dreamed of? Trillium Smile Dentistry makes it easy to get stunning dental veneers in Mississauga. Our staff will walk you through the entire procedure from start to finish to ensure that you receive results you are happy with. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or through our online form to book your initial appointment and discuss your needs with one of the best cosmetic dentists in the GTA.
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