Making Your Veneers Last

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Dental veneers are a great option for improving the look of your teeth. If your smile is marred by chips or stains, or if your teeth are improperly shaped, too small, or spaced too far apart, veneers may be the answer for you. Veneers are very thin shells that are placed over the fronts of your teeth to conceal stains and chips, lengthen your teeth or close the gaps between them.

Veneers are made to blend in with the rest of your smile. However, in order to place them on your teeth, the dentist must remove some of the enamel. Because of that, the process is irreversible. Your veneers can last for ten to fifteen years, if you care for them properly. They are not meant to last forever, and at some point, your dentist will need to replace them.

After your veneers have been placed, you will need to continue to brush and floss your teeth, and see your dentist for your regular appointments. Veneers protect the fronts of your teeth, but your teeth are still vulnerable to cavities, and veneers do not protect against gum disease.

Chewing on ice, hard foods, pens and other objects can damage your veneers. The cement can wear out over time, and if a veneer falls off, you should save it and your dentist can reattach it, or have a new one made. If you grind your teeth, there is a chance that you will damage your veneers. You and your dentist will need to find a solution to the problem which may include wearing a night guard when you sleep.

If your smile could use a makeover and you are interested in dental veneers, our dentist, Dr. Alex Fleming will be happy to see you. If you live in the Durham, North Carolina, area, you can make an appointment at Fleming Dental by calling 919-682-5327. We look forward to helping your get the smile of your dreams.