Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Port St. Lucie, FL
A smile is a universal greeting of joy and friendliness. If you want to improve your smile, there are many options, including whitening, bonding, and veneers. Dental veneers, also called dental laminates, are thin overlays made of porcelain or composite resin that improve the appearance of teeth.
Dental veneers are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie the surrounding area. We carefully consider each patient's dental history, oral health, and esthetic aspirations before recommending veneers. If a patient wants veneers and is a candidate, we discuss the options and work together to create a treatment plan.
Getting veneers is a straightforward procedure that can make a world of difference in your smile. We cannot wait to work with you and get you the smile you have always wanted. Call us today at (772) 242-4124 to schedule your evaluation appointment.
Top Reasons People Choose Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can instantly improve a person's smile. From small cosmetic issues, such as white spots on the teeth, to more significant problems, such as broken teeth or wide gaps, veneers can hide a lot. Therefore, many people opt for veneers instead of orthodontics or crowns, especially if they only have a few teeth that need treatment.
Some people also choose laminates to get a whiter smile, especially if their teeth have significant, irreversible staining, like the kind people get from tetracycline exposure. The American College of Prosthodontists explains that people with extensive tooth decay should not consider getting veneers until after removing the decay. People who grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) should discuss this with their dentist first. Although teeth grinding can damage veneers, mouthguards can be worn at night to protect them.
“From small cosmetic issues, such as white spots on the teeth, to more significant problems, such as broken teeth or wide gaps, veneers can hide a lot.”
Understanding Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin coatings of porcelain or composite resin covering the teeth to repair minor damage and improve the appearance of stains or discoloration. Some of the common issues that veneers can correct include gaps, misshapen teeth, cracks, chips, staining, and discoloration. Patients must have enamel removal and tooth reshaping to allow the veneer to stay flat without being bulky.
Patients can choose between porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers usually last longer than composite resin ones. They resist staining and tend to be stronger and more durable. Composite resin veneers can be completed in a single dental visit, while porcelain veneers typically require two dental visits. Composite resin also preserves more of the patient's tooth enamel and tends to cost less than porcelain but is more prone to breakage.
“Dental veneers are thin coatings of porcelain or composite resin covering the teeth to repair minor damage and improve the appearance of stains or discoloration.”
Placing Dental Veneers
To place porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from the tooth's surface so the thin shell can adhere to it. A dental lab technician then creates custom veneers with teeth molds and color-matches them to the patient's teeth. Then the shells are bonded to the patient's teeth using special dental cement.
For composite resin veneers, we remove the tooth enamel first. The composite resin, which matches the natural enamel, covers and reshapes the teeth to improve the appearance. After, a special light seals the resin to the underlying teeth. Finally, we file the veneers to achieve a natural appearance.
“To place porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from the tooth surface so the thin shell can adhere to the tooth.”
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Dental Veneer and Laminate Aftercare
The Canadian Dental Association explains that good dental hygiene is essential to maintain the appearance and function of new veneers. Brushing and flossing after meals and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups are critical aspects of proper maintenance. Skipping these steps can cause decay and cavities to develop between or under the veneer shells.
Veneers and laminates can also crack, break or loosen under pressure. Patients should avoid chewing hard candies, ice, or similar items. During the first few days after the procedure, patients should stick to soft foods and avoid consuming nuts, hard bread, popcorn, and seeds. Wearing a bite guard at night can help prevent grinding that may wear down veneers. Veneers are more prone to staining than laminates, so we also recommend patients avoid substances like tobacco, red wine, and coffee.
“Brushing and flossing after meals and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups are critical aspects of proper maintenance.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How are dental veneers placed?
Q. How does one care for dental veneers and laminates?
Q. What are the top reasons people choose dental veneers?
People Also Ask
Q. Can cosmetic dental services improve confidence?
Q. What are some cosmetic dentistry treatment options?
Q. How can cosmetic dentistry restore teeth?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. How can dental cosmetics improve oral health?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do dental veneers last?
A. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 20 years. Composite veneers can last around four to eight years. Both types of veneers may need to be polished periodically to help maintain them.
Q. How much do dental laminates and veneers cost?
A. The cost of these procedures may vary. While laminates and veneers are not usually covered by insurance, financing is often available. People interested in this procedure should contact their insurance provider to learn more. Composite resin veneers cost less than porcelain, but they will have to be polished and replaced more often.
Q. Are dental veneers permanent?
A. Composite veneers are not permanent as patients can have the resin removed. However, porcelain cannot be removed. As the teeth are filed down to fit porcelain veneers, the patient will always need veneers or crowns.
Q. Can damaged dental veneers be fixed?
A. The porcelain in veneers can chip if damaged. A broken porcelain veneer can be repaired or remade. Resin veneers can also be remade to fix chips or cracks. In the case of a porcelain veneer falling off, a cosmetic dentist can reattach it.
Q. Is getting veneers painful?
A. Discomfort is rarely reported during the process of getting veneers. There are some who report sensitivity after the veneers have been placed. However, this fades with time.
Dental Terminology
Choose the Right Procedure for Your Needs
Dental laminates and veneers are great options for smile enhancement. Patients should consider different factors like personal needs and costs before making a decision. Our team at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is here to answer your questions and help you choose the right procedure. Call us at (772) 242-4124 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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