Get Your Smile Back With Porcelain Dental Veneers
People smile to welcome friends and to create good first impressions when meeting new people. Sometimes this very human gesture is inhibited by crooked or otherwise unsightly teeth. Porcelain veneers are one way to put that smile back on your face and the proverbial swing back in your step.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin slices of material that are custom made to fit over the front of your teeth. They are made of either composite resin or porcelain. Of the two, the porcelain is stronger and is not as prone to stains or other discolorations. Both types usually require three dental visits, but the porcelain veneers tend to last longer.
Applying Porcelain Veneers
Thin layers of your natural teeth's enamel are removed by the dentist, usually done under a local anesthetic. Your dentist then makes a mold of your teeth that is used to custom make your veneers. Then temporary veneers are added to your natural teeth. Temporary veneers are not as strong as the permanent veneers. You'll need to be careful when eating and brushing until they are replaced. When the custom veneers are done they are permanently glued in place. You'll find that imperfections, such as the gap between your front teeth, are either minimized or entirely covered up.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up appointment for the week after you have the veneers applied. The dentist will make sure that the veneers are holding up and that you have no related oral problems. Let your dentist know if you tend to grind your teeth at night. You may need a bite guard to protect the veneers while you sleep. Porcelain veneers need regular brushing and flossing just like natural teeth. Dentists usually advise that you use non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure and schedule regular professional cleanings.
Relearning to Smile
If you've had dental issues for a long time, you might have to relearn to smile. People become adept at cleverly covering their mouths or avoiding eye contact when they are less than comfortable with their appearance. It may take a few looks in the mirror before your psyche registers what your eyes already see. The best way to relearn smiling is to just do it. There's no harm in practicing in front of that mirror while you build up your confidence. Chances are your friends will notice the happy change in your appearance and smile at you first. One smile tends to trigger another. It's just human nature.
For more information about veneers, contact a dentist in your area, such as Michael G Landy DDS.