LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL
Getting a brand-new smile with veneers can give you a self-confidence boost and a renewed lease on life. But, while you have a stunning smile outside, you may wonder what happens in the background with your natural teeth after the veneer installation. Our Lincolnshire cosmetic dentists at Lake Forest Smiles share on the blog today how your teeth can change after getting veneers and ensure your new smile remains healthy and beautiful for years after treatment.
How are veneers placed on teeth?
Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like tooth covers that require removing no more than half a millimeter of tooth enamel to prepare for the veneer. Then, the laboratory will have room to produce the exquisite porcelain shells you want to create a beautiful and natural-looking smile. When the tooth’s surface is ready, we attach the veneer using a special bonding agent that hardens when exposed to blue light. Bonding cement adheres well to tooth enamel, protecting the tooth’s natural surface against microorganisms that cause cavities.
What happens to my teeth after veneer placement?
Veneers cover the front of your teeth, leaving minimal tooth enamel exposed. The back surface or the side of your teeth that your tongue touches, remains unchanged when you get veneers. However, veneers need careful attention to oral hygiene to keep your smile looking great. Therefore, our Lake Bluff cosmetic dentists recommend cleaning your teeth twice a day with a nonabrasive toothpaste, recommended by the American Dental Association. Also, floss thoroughly once a day, every day, to remove food debris and bacteria wedged between your teeth. Furthermore, twice-yearly visits to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning are mandatory so that you can protect your veneers. They they typically can last 10-20 years depending on your home care routines and diet.
What can happen to my veneers if I don’t properly care for my teeth?
Your veneers and underlying teeth might be seriously damaged if you don’t practice good dental hygiene and maintenance. Without frequent brushing or flossing, cavity-causing germs may accumulate between teeth and around the gum line, where bacteria like to hide. When this occurs, the bacteria can erode the natural tooth enamel where the veneer meets the tooth. Unfortunately, when you fail to clean the food and debris away, it could cause a cavity. Unfortunately, it’s prevalent for people to be unaware that they have decay beneath a cosmetic dental treatment until the pain becomes unbearable. If the tooth is beyond repair, it will need an extraction and a restorative replacement like an implant or other aesthetic dental treatment. Porcelain veneers may make your smile seem extraordinary, but the effects only last if your oral dental care practice does.
Veneers in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Veneers are an effective method to restore your smile’s aesthetics. However, it’s crucial to continue regular oral health activities at home every day and visit your dentist twice a year to ensure your smile is protected and will last for years. When you choose not to follow exceptional oral care practices, you can lose veneer stability and may need to spend more time or money on repairs. So, If you’re ready for a new life journey that includes a beautiful smile and excellent oral care, please contact our Lake Forest cosmetic dentists at Lake Forest Smiles. Our caring staff will happily schedule an appointment for your initial consultation when you call (847) 234-4800 or contact us online.