Veneers are a popular option for women and men looking to improve the way their smiles look. But the benefits of veneers go beyond cosmetics. There are functional benefits, too.
At Novi Family Dentistry in Novi, Michigan, Abir Faraj, DDS, helps patients understand the full benefits veneers can offer. In this post, she reviews some of the biggest benefits — both cosmetic and functional — so you can decide if veneers could be right for you.
Veneers are thin, durable porcelain shells that cover the front surfaces of teeth. Veneers are custom-made and tinted to blend perfectly with your surrounding teeth, and they’re attached with a strong dental adhesive.
Veneers typically take two office visits: one to prepare your tooth and one to apply the veneer. Once applied, veneers can last for years, and they can be cared for just like your other teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
In addition to veneers, Dr. Faraj also offers composite resin, which can correct many of the issues porcelain veneers can. Composite resin is a moldable material that is applied to the teeth, then shaped, and then allowed to dry. It can be applied in a single visit, but it’s usually not as durable or as stain-resistant as veneers.
Veneers are very versatile and can improve the appearance of teeth in a variety of ways. Veneers can hide a number of dental flaws, such as:
Each veneer is custom tinted and custom-shaped, so you can enjoy a white, bright, perfect smile that can make you look healthier, younger, and more attractive.
The cosmetic benefits of veneers are pretty obvious. All it takes is a single glance to see the beautiful difference veneers can make. But the functional benefits may not be as obvious. In fact, veneers can improve your oral health and function in a few key ways, depending on the issues they’re correcting.
When a veneer is used to cover a crack or chip in a tooth, the veneer material seals the area and provides an impenetrable barrier to disease- and decay-causing bacteria. In this way, a veneer can help prevent additional damage to the tooth while also strengthening the tooth structure.
Gaps between teeth can provide harbors for food particles, sticky plaque, and germ-harboring tartar deposits. Furthermore, it can be difficult to clean areas where there are gaps. Filling in gaps with veneers can eliminate these nooks and crannies, which can help decrease the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Your tooth surface is composed of tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body — even harder than bone. Enamel provides a tough barrier against bacteria and traumatic damage, such as fractures, cracks and chips.
Unfortunately, enamel tends to get thinner with age, and some people just have naturally thin or weak enamel, making them more prone to tooth damage. Veneers can provide an added layer of protection for your natural enamel, which can help strengthen your teeth and decrease your risk for future damage.
Offering both cosmetic and functional benefits, it’s no wonder that dental veneers are popular among patients of all ages. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of veneers is the big boost in confidence you can have in knowing that your teeth are strong, protected, and beautiful.
If you have a smile flaw you’d like to have corrected, book an appointment online or over the phone with Novi Family Dentistry to find out if beautiful, durable veneers might be right for you.
