Considering it is the first thing most people will notice about you, your smile is definitely worth caring for. But sometimes a tooth requires minor treatment to make it match the others. This is when many people turn to veneers, especially if the tooth is malformed, discolored, or chipped.
North Pointe Dental Associates is home to some of the best dentists in Tampa, so they know how to answer the question: Are dental veneers right for you?
What is a dental veneer?
Before you consider whether or not to have a dental veneer procedure, it’s important to know what they are. Dental veneers, also called porcelain veneers, are thin covers made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of an existing tooth using dental cement. Veneers are a permanent change, so it’s important to know if they are right for you before getting them. North Pointe Dental Associates can discuss the procedure with you to answer your questions.
What are the advantages of dental veneers?
Years of drinking tea, coffee, and eating colored foods affect the teeth, causing them to gradually change color from white to an unattractive shade of yellow. While you can go to your dentist for teeth whitening, your teeth will continue to change color at a certain point after the procedure. This is why many people decide to get dental veneers, which are stain-resistant.
In addition to teeth whitening, veneers can help with minor cosmetic problems, such as chips, cracks, and gaps between your teeth. Because they are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth, they can mask the cracks and other minor orthodontic problems. So the only people who will know about your crooked tooth are you and your cosmetic dentist.
Veneers are also a great option if your tooth enamel is damaged. While enamel is strong, it is not indestructible. For example, highly acidic foods and beverages can damage enamel, as well as overzealous brushing. The stomach acid associated with acid reflux disease is another common cause of damaged enamel. Lost enamel will not grow back, but it can be replaced through cosmetic dentistry.
Are there disadvantages to getting dental veneers?
As with every procedure, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. For example, some patients report increased tooth sensitivity after the procedure. While you may feel sensitivity to hot or cold drinks for a few days after the procedure, it is temporary and often goes away after a few days.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the procedure is irreversible. Before placing the veneers, your dentist will shave off a part of your enamel in order to place them properly. Since enamel does not grow back, there is no way to reverse the procedure. But rest assured that the best dentists in North Tampa can help you weigh the pros and cons of dental veneers.
Questions? Concerns? Schedule an appointment!
Dental veneers are an easy and straightforward way to hide crooked, discolored, and cracked teeth, but it is important to consider if they are right for you. Call (813) 961-1727 to schedule your appointment at North Pointe Dental Associates and find out if dental veneers are the best solution for improving your smile.
