Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Patients interested in porcelain veneers shouldn’t have any signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Any dental issue should be remedied before the veneers process commences. Dr. Allred will examine each patient to determine if they have enough enamel for this cosmetic dentistry procedure. This is because a small amount of enamel will be removed so that the porcelain veneers will have the most effective bonding. Patients in San Marcos, CA who are interested in porcelain veneers generally want to improve the color, size, shape, or alignment of their teeth, all of which veneers can do.
The veneers process
Dr. Allred will first remove a thin layer of your enamel. Once the teeth are prepared, he uses CEREC, an advanced technology, in order to craft a digital scan of your mouth. Each restoration is fitted for the best fit in the patient’s mouth and color matched too for a seamless look. Your custom veneers are attached to the front of your teeth with a special resin bonding.
For those whose primary goal is to preserve their teeth, Dr. Allred offers no-prep veneers. They require no reshaping or removal of tooth enamel. This is used for patients with minor imperfections. It is great for someone who has limited time and wants to use cosmetic dentistry to restore their smile but doesn’t want to use the traditional and more extensive method.
How to maintain your porcelain veneers
Caring for your veneers will help ensure they last longer. In order to protect your restoration, you should follow the tips below on how to maintain your veneers.
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Maintain proper oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day will keep your teeth and gums healthy. It also keeps your risk of developing gum disease low. Proper oral hygiene is essential for ensuring your veneers last a long time. You should be able to floss normally after veneers. If you cannot, contact Dr. Allred to ensure that your restoration was made correctly.
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Get a custom night guard: If you suffer from bruxism or teeth clenching, Dr. Allred can create a nighttime bite guard that will protect both your natural teeth and your porcelain veneers.
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Don’t chew on things: This means never chew on hard materials such as pens, nails, or ice. This can lead to your veneers chipping or even breaking.
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Have regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings: By visiting Allred Dental as often as possible, you can ensure that your oral health is at its best. This helps to make sure that your porcelain veneers continue to keep your smile looking great.
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Stay away from stain-causing foods and beverages: Veneers can stain. This means that limiting drinking tea, coffee, and wine is important. Also, avoid foods such as berries that can cause discoloration.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last 10 – 20 years with proper oral hygiene. After that, they will need to be replaced.
Improve the look of your smile with porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers can help address many dental problems. At Allred Dental, Dr. Jeffrey Allred uses this cosmetic dentistry procedure to change the length, size, shape, and color of a patient’s teeth. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and to determine whether you’re a viable candidate for porcelain veneers, call our professional team to schedule an appointment at our San Marcos, CA office today.