Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!

A Look At The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

Dentist Blog

Without question, one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures today is dental veneer installation. Installing something like porcelain dental veneers can practically provide you with a brand-new smile. Veneers can correct everything from stains and cracks to small gaps and misshapen teeth. However, most people have quite a few questions about dental veneers before settling on the option for their own smiles. Take a look at some of the top questions below.  

What are dental veneers actually made out of?

Dental veneers are made of a combination of materials, including things like:

  • Alumina: A hard ceramic material that provides strength and durability
  • Composites or plastic resins: A plastic-type material much like what is used in fillings 
  • Silica: A glassy material that provides slight translucency much like natural teeth 
  • Feldspar: A mineral that provides strength and helps the veneer bond to the tooth
  • Potassium titanate: A mineral that provides strength and helps the veneer resist staining

All materials used to make veneers can have their own pros and cons. Therefore, it is important to discuss the materials used in the veneers you choose with your dentist before dental veneer installation. 

Do dental veneers really last a lifetime?

Dental veneers can last for a long time, but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. The average life span of dental veneers varies, but they can definitely last longer and even for many years with proper care. Factors that can affect the life span of dental veneers include:

  • Your general oral hygiene habits (e.g. brushing, flossing, professional cleanings)
  • The type of material used to create the veneers
  • Your dietary intake or habits 
  • Your lifestyle habits, such as smoking cigarettes or grinding your teeth
  • Any underlying dental problems or gum problems 

One of the biggest determining factors is the type of material used. Therefore, it is important to discuss options and their cost with the dentist to pick the type of veneers that will be likely to last you the longest for the costs involved. 

How likely is it that a dental veneer will fall off?

Dental veneers rarely fall off during the first several years they are in place. However, when a dental veneer reaches the end of its proposed life span, the veneer could dislodge. And, there are situations that could cause a veneer to dislodge too early. For example, a veneer may work loose if the bonding agent used to attach the veneer starts to wear away or if you sustain some kind of trauma to the tooth. 

Contact a local dentist to learn more about dental veneer installation

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19 May 2023