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Getting the Most Out of Your Veneers

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A dental veneer is a great solution for a minor tooth problem. Veneers are very thin shells often made of porcelain that are designed and colored to perfectly match your smile. They can be used to conceal chips and stains, and close the gap between teeth that are unevenly spaced.

To apply a veneer, your dentist will remove a small portion of your tooth enamel and take an impression of your tooth. After covering your tooth with a temporary veneer, the doctor will send the impression to a dental lab which will craft the permanent veneer. When it is ready, the dentist will place it on your tooth with dental cement. A veneer will last for about 10 to 15 years. However, at some point it will probably need to be replaced. Over time your veneer can be damaged by wear and tear, or the cement holding it to your tooth may wear away. But there are things you can do make your veneers last.

Your veneer protects the front of your tooth, but not the back. That area is still vulnerable to decay, so you will need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should see your dentist every six months for your routine cleaning and exam, and to give your dentist a chance to check you veneer. Hard foods, ice, pens and other objects can chip your veneer. If the chip is small enough, your dentist can repair it with a dental bond. If you grind your teeth, which is a condition known as bruxism, you will need to work with your dentist to remedy the situation, and you may need to wear a night guard when you sleep to keep your teeth from grinding against one another. Dark foods and beverages can stain your veneers, and your dentist will need to polish them to restore their color.

If you have minor cosmetic problems with one or more of your teeth, talk to our dentists, Dr. John Cronkrite, or Dr. John Felkner about dental veneers. If you live in the Edgar, Wisconsin area and would like to make an appointment at Szmanda Dental Edgar call 715-352-2700 today.