Have you always wanted the perfect smile, but no matter how vigorously you stick to a flossing and brushing regimen, you’re not quite happy with it? You’re not alone — millions of Americans are unhappy with their smile and want to make it better. To accomplish this, dental patients often turn to dental veneers, which can take care of a slew of problems that many people are suffering from.
If you’ve been considering the application of veneers as a way to improve your teeth and overall appearance, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing today.
A Little History Lesson
People tend to believe that dental veneers are a relatively new concept, but the truth is that their history started back in 1928. A movie was filming in California that called for the temporary alteration of the appearance of an actor’s teeth, but none of the current techniques looked good enough for the director. The producers hired a local dentist, Charles Pincus, to develop a practical and effective way to do this, and Dr. Pincus came up with the veneers. Nearly a decade later, he expanded on his invention and fabricated acrylic veneers. At the time, they were very temporary due to a lack of adhesion, but luckily for us, these dental applications have evolved nicely over the years.
So … What Exactly are Dental Veneers?
Quite simply, a dental veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the front of your teeth in order to achieve a natural, attractive appearance. They allow for a cosmetic use while fixing teeth that have been chipped, stained, misaligned, etc. They can even fix the appearance of abnormally spaced teeth.
Dental veneers are created by a dental technician in a laboratory environment. There are two types of veneers — composite resin and porcelain. Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles used for fillings, whereas a porcelain veneer consists of … well, porcelain, obviously. Some people are hesitant of porcelain because they feel that this material is brittle. While that is true, once firmly bonded to your teeth with a resin cement, this material typically becomes very durable and resistant to damage.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Whether you choose composite resin or porcelain veneers, it is important to realize that neither will last forever. Many patients choose composite resin because they’re a less expensive choice. The downside is that they only last between four and eight years. Porcelain veneers, which can cost several times more than composite, will often last up to 20 years, though the average is between 10 and 15 years.
Part of achieving this longevity, of course, is determined by the care you take. Many patients believe that they no longer need to care for their teeth as well as they had in the past because now they are “protected” by the veneers. This is simply not true. Veneers must be cared for in the same way as your teeth. This means flossing and brushing at least twice a day, in addition to a cleaning every six months. Stick with this maintenance schedule and your veneers are more likely to last for quite a while, especially the porcelain ones.
Whether the desire for dental veneers or other dental procedures is due to a problem with your teeth or more of a cosmetic nature, you have plenty of options to choose from that will give you the smile you’ve always wanted. The professionals at the offices of Bruce C. McArthur, DDS are always available to field any questions that you may have, and we’ll make each dental visit as nice and comfortable as possible. Contact us today with any questions about procedures or dental care!