What Are Dental Veneers, and How Do They Work?

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Are you looking for an instant upgrade for your smile? Then dental veneers in Newport, TN, might be just what you’re looking for. But what are dental veneers? How do they work?

Let’s take a look at that and more.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are super-thin, tooth-colored shells that are affixed to the fronts of your teeth. Their purpose is to improve the appearance of your smile.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?

You are a good candidate for dental veneers if you have healthy teeth and gums. No severe dental issues. You don’t grind your teeth. Don’t have any bad habits like biting your fingernails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools.

The Process of Getting and Placing Dental Veneers (step-by-step)

It takes about three weeks or so from start to finish to complete a dental veneer treatment. Your dentist in Newport, TN, will go over how it all works. But for now, here is a quick overview.

  • Your dentist will perform an initial consultation.
  • A thin layer of enamel will be removed from your teeth to prepare them for placing your veneers.
  • You will select a shade for your new veneers.
  • Your dentist will take a 3D scan or soft putty impression of your teeth and mouth. At this point, you might receive temporary veneers while you’re waiting for your permanent veneers to be custom-crafted.
  • Your dentist will use a bonding agent (strong dental glue) to permanently affix your new veneers to your teeth.
  • You will need to visit your dentist for a follow-up visit to make sure all is well with your teeth, gums, and veneers.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Newport, TN?

If you’re ready to get dental veneers, you’ll need to talk to a dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for them. If not, your dentist will go over some alternatives with you. Please Contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to schedule an exam and consultation.

How Should I Maintain My Dental Veneers?

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Your dental veneers add to the uniform appearance of your teeth and improve your smile at the same time. However, veneers need to be properly maintained in order to stay beautiful. If properly cleaned and cared for, porcelain dental veneers can last up to 12 years. Your dentist in Newport, TN, can give you advice about caring for your dental veneers. Here’s what to know about the day-to-day care of your veneers.

How to Clean Your Dental Veneers

Cleaning your dental veneers is very much like cleaning your natural teeth. Use non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste to clean your veneers. Brush twice daily using a soft bristle toothbrush, and floss once each day.

Best Practices With Dental Veneers

The following best practices will help you take care of your dental veneers on a long-term basis.

  • Don’t use your teeth as scissors. Never use your dental veneers as scissors to cut through packaging.
  • Don’t use your teeth to bite very hard things. Don’t use your teeth to bite items like pen caps, ice, or hard candy.
  • Continue to see the dentist regularly. The dentist should regularly examine your dental veneers for signs of trouble. You don’t need to make special trips to the dentist, but you should continue to see the dentist for twice-per-year examinations. If you need to see the dentist more often, your dentist will let you know.
  • Don’t whiten your teeth. Your dental veneers can’t be whitened by the same bleaching agents that work on your natural teeth. If you whiten your teeth, your natural teeth will become lighter, and your veneers will remain the same.

Want more advice about how to maintain your dental veneers in Newport, TN? Call Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to make an appointment.

When Should I Get a Veneer Instead of a Crown?

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Both a veneer and a crown in Newport, TN will change the appearance and improve the functionality of your tooth. They can restore a tooth that has been damaged, giving you back a complete smile and making it easier to talk and chew. However, the two are different dental procedures, and they come with their own sets of recommendations. We’ll look at what they are and when they should be implemented.

The Similarities

If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, a dentist may consider either a veneer or a crown to fix it. Both materials are made to match the color of your teeth, so they blend into your mouth. You’ll need to brush both a veneer and a crown at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove food particles and to mitigate the odds of dental decay to the tooth below the veneer or crown.

The Differences

A veneer is a thin covering for a tooth, and it binds to the front of the tooth. Crowns are thicker and they last longer than veneers. They can endure for 50 years or more while veneers are designed to be replaced in as few as 10 years (though some will last closer to 30 years). In general, veneers are used for more cosmetic procedures while crowns are often used to restore a tooth after it’s had a root canal or other major procedure.

Find a Dentist in Newport, TN

If you’re trying to choose between these two procedures, chances are one is better for you. If you’re looking for a dentist in Newport, TN that can give you some advice, Westmoreland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry invites you to contact our friendly staff today to schedule an appointment.