Making Your Veneers Last

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Dental veneers are a terrific way to improve your smile. Veneers can be used to conceal chipped, cracked or stained teeth. If your teeth are misshapen, or placed too far apart, the problem can be corrected by dental veneers.

To place your veneers, your dentist will remove a small portion of the enamel from your tooth, An impression will be made and sent to the dental lab where your custom veneers will be crafted. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary veneer for your teeth. When the permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will fix them to your teeth with dental cement, trim them and then polish them so that they blend in with the rest of your smile. Remember that your veneers cover your teeth, they do not replace them. So you will still need to brush at least twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your regular cleanings and exams.

With proper care, your veneers can last 10 to 15 years, but they will not last indefinitely. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should wear a mouthguard if you play sports. If you clench or grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about stopping the problem, or protecting your teeth. If you use your teeth to open packages, or if you chew on a pen or pencil while you are at work, you can damage your veneers. It is possible that over time the cement holding your veneers in place can wear away. Dark colored foods and beverages, along with tobacco use can stain your veneers. Lost veneers and staining are problems that will need to addressed by your dentist.

If you have a smile that could use some sprucing up, talk to Dr. Kimberly Fee about dental veneers. To make an appointment at Kimberly W. Fee DMD in Prescott, Arizona, call 928-778-7410 today. We look forward to helping you brighten your smile!