Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment for adults who want to improve the aesthetic value of their teeth. But, did you know custom veneers can also improve a variety of non-cosmetic oral health issues?
Maybe you thought veneers were simply a way to get a perfect, movie-star-quality smile, and you’re not wrong about that. But veneers also correct many common dental problems and can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to remedy minor orthodontic problems, reinforce weak teeth, and preserve the overall health of your teeth.
At the practice of William M. Schneider, DDS, in Walnut Creek, California, we often recommend veneers to our patients who want to improve the cosmetic value of their smile as well as make their teeth stronger and more perfectly aligned. Read on to learn how you might benefit from custom veneers.
The versatility of veneers
These porcelain, wafer-thin shells are stronger than they look, and they do double-duty to protect your teeth and glam-up your smile. Dr. Schneider custom-fits veneers to each of your teeth so you can improve the appearance and health of one tooth or several.
Veneers require Dr. Schneider to remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth before affixing the veneer, and once the new veneer adheres to your tooth, it becomes a permanent part of your mouth. Gum tissue easily tolerates the veneers, too, so your mouth quickly adapts to this new oral feature. Here are some common ways veneers can give you a more beautiful smile and improve your oral health.
Add strength to weak teeth
A custom veneer reinforces a weak tooth that’s chipped or cracked. It’s like adding a protective, strong layer to the tooth’s surface, and a veneer may help you avoid having to get a crown. Crowns also strengthen weak teeth, but they completely cover your natural tooth, whereas a veneer just adheres to the front side of the cracked or chipped tooth.
Put a stop to enamel erosion
Tooth enamel is tough, but it can succumb to certain foods, beverages, and bodily fluids that cause erosion. As enamel wears away, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity, decay, and discoloration. Your teeth may even appear darker or stained from enamel erosion.
Dental veneers can put a stop to this problem and reduce sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Veneers may also help prevent further decay of a worn-down tooth by protecting it from further erosion.
Close the spaces between your teeth
If you have a gap between two teeth or unevenly spaced teeth, veneers are an ideal solution. Beyond the cosmetic value of making your teeth appear more evenly spaced by closing up the large gaps, veneers can also help prevent tooth decay between those teeth.
Gaps between teeth are the places where food can get caught but may be difficult to remove from the tooth surfaces. This can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which, left unchecked, can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.
Veneers close the gaps and make it easier to brush and floss your teeth to keep all surfaces clean. If you have gapped teeth, veneers just might help improve your overall oral health.
Correct misalignments
Got a crooked tooth or one that overlaps another? Similar to the gaps between your teeth, overlapped teeth are also plaque magnets. Bacteria and food certainly find a way to hide in those areas, but it can be hard to brush and floss all those surfaces.
Veneers even out the misalignments so you can keep your teeth clean with less effort and prevent cavities from forming.
While you may have considered veneers for their many cosmetic benefits, such as a whiter smile and more perfectly shaped teeth, you might want to take a look at the many non-cosmetic benefits, too.
Give us a call at 925-935-2700 to schedule a consultation to see how veneers can improve your oral health. Or, request an appointment online today.