Porcelain veneers in Sun City, Florida

Understanding Porcelain Veneers: What Are They?

Before you choose if a porcelain veneers procedure is right for you, you must first know what they are. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that the dentist puts on your teeth to mimic the natural enamel. Dentists attach veneers to your actual teeth, which improves your overall smile.

People usually get porcelain teeth to improve their smiles because veneers can easily change the size and shape of your teeth. With veneers on, no one will know if you have chipped teeth or gaps that make you feel uncomfortable because the veneers cover up the issue. The only people who will ever know are you and your dentist.

Some people even choose veneers porcelain if they have tooth discoloration. Some products, such as tea, coffee and tobacco, can discolor your teeth. Over the years, even aging can cause your teeth to lose their white sparkle. However, veneers can restore your teeth in a way that whitening products can't.

Call our dentist in Sun City to learn more about veneers and if they're right for you.

How Are Veneers Attached?

Veneers are attached directly to your teeth. Before your dentist attaches them, though, a mold of your teeth will be made to ensure that the veneers are customized to fit your mouth. In some cases, the dentist might have to take off some of the natural enamel on your teeth. Typically, this is a small amount, less than 1 millimeter.

The good news is that veneers are painless to attach. Once you get them, they won't stain or move. They'll feel just as comfortable as your natural teeth but look even better.

How Are Crowns and Veneers Different?

Like a filling or a crown, veneers are permanent. In fact, there are a lot of similarities between porcelain crowns and veneers. Both are made from similar materials and attach to the structure of the tooth. Also, they both change the color and shape of your teeth.

However, the similarities end there. A crown is designed to fit over an entire tooth, all the way to the gums. It covers all sides of your teeth. Veneers, however, only cover the front side of your teeth.

Typically, dentists recommend crowns if you've lost a lot of your tooth structure. That might happen because of decay, trauma or grinding your teeth too much. To attach a crown, the dentist has to remove more of the exterior of the natural enamel to ensure that the crown fits properly.

Crowns are good for people who have cosmetic or structural issues with their back teeth. They're very strong and stand up to the biting force of your molars.

Do Veneers Last Forever?

In most cases, veneers won't last forever without you having to have them redone. If you take care of them, though, they can last for decades. Just remember to continue to floss and brush your teeth daily.

Veneers last longer when you don't use your teeth to do anything that they aren't designed to do as well. This includes opening bottles or bags using your teeth. Those habits are just as bad for your veneers as they are for your real teeth.

Lumineers: What Are They?

If you're looking into veneers, you've probably come across the name Lumineers. It's actually just a brand name of veneers. They've grown in popularity because of how thin they are and because they don't require surface enamel reduction. Despite being very thin, they're still very durable, which is why they can last upward of 20 years.

Best of all, porcelain veneers cost more than Lumineers. That's why so many people opt to get Lumineers. Contact us today to learn more about Lumineers and if they are right for you.

What Is the Proper Way to Care for Veneers?

One great thing about veneers is that you don't have to do anything crazy to take care of them. Basically, you take care of them the same way you do your normal teeth. This means brushing and flossing each day.

If you have any other issues, such as teeth grinding, you might need to wear a night guard because teeth grinding can eventually weaken veneers. Also, you should be careful when biting into hard foods, such as candy apples, because they can crack or break veneers.

Consult With Us About Veneers Today

When it's time to get porcelain veneers in Sun City, we have you covered. Do you want to know how much porcelain veneers cost? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.