Do Dental Veneers Ruin Natural Teeth?

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Dental veneers remain a popular form of cosmetic dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, and other cities throughout the world. Even celebrities have chosen to get veneers due to the realistic look that they provide. Veneers are ideal for addressing imperfections such as permanently discolored teeth, chipped teeth, gaps, and more. Yet, some people hesitate to consider them because they think dental veneers ruin natural teeth.

How Are Dental Veneers Attached to the Teeth?

In previous years, a tooth had to be ground down, almost to a point, before attaching a dental veneer. This weakened the tooth structure. However, the tooth structure was restored with the application of the veneer. Now, dental technology has improved a great deal, and the process of attaching dental veneers to teeth has changed.

Today, a microscopic layer of enamel is removed from the tooth’s surface. This creates a surface where the adhesive can readily adhere to the tooth, allowing the dental veneer to be permanently attached. After that, the tooth (or teeth) undergo special light that “cures” the adhesive. This solidifies the bond so that the dental veneer stays safely in place while you eat, bite, speak, and so on.

Do Dental Veneers Ruin Natural Teeth?

Dental veneers are intended to be a permanent cosmetic dentistry solution. As such, they aren’t meant to be removed. A person may need to have a dental veneer replaced at some point, but they aren’t meant to be removed permanently. The removal of that thin layer of enamel can’t be reversed. At the same time, losing the enamel isn’t a problem because the veneer is the new “layer.” So, the tooth’s structure is restored, just as before, and the tooth is not ruined.

If you’d like to discuss the possibility of getting dental veneers in Jacksonville, FL, please contact Mandarin Dentistry today. We’d be happy to answer all your questions about ways to enhance your smile!

How Can I Make My Dental Veneers Last?

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Dental veneers are a dental tool that can cover a variety of cosmetic problems, such as a gaps between teeth, chips, misshapen tooth enamel, and stains. A dental veneer is a cover designed to fit over the front of the tooth, hiding imperfections and giving your teeth a consistent appearance. As your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, we’re happy to help you maintain your dental veneers so they’ll last for as long as possible. 

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can last as little as 10 years or as long as 20. How long they last depends partly on the material they’re made from. Veneers can be made from resin composite material or porcelain. Of these two types, porcelain veneers last the longest. 

How Can You Maintain Your Dental Veneers?

To care for your dental veneers in Jacksonville, FL, start by taking proper care of your teeth. Brush dental veneers along with the rest of your teeth twice daily. Dental veneers can be scratched by abrasive toothpaste, so use nonabrasive toothpaste. Toothpaste that says they are “whitening” or “brightening” is often abrasive and should be avoided.

See the dentist twice yearly to identify gum health problems and oral hygiene problems. Taking care of your teeth can help you take care of your veneers.

Finally, avoid chewing on anything that is not food. Avoid using your teeth as scissors to tear open packages. 

Follow Your Dentist Recommendations to Care for Your Veneers

Dental veneers can last many years with proper maintenance. Have more questions about how you can take care of your dental veneers? Call the dentist at Mandarin Dentistry to learn more. 

What’s the Difference Between a Dental Veneer and a Crown?

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If your teeth have cosmetic problems such as discolorations or chips in the tooth enamel, there are ways to correct these problems. If other cosmetic treatments haven’t worked for you, your dentist may recommend dental veneers or dental crowns, depending on your goals for your smile.

Dental veneers and crowns are both powerful tools that your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can use to give your teeth a more uniform, conventionally attractive appearance. At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer both types of services for our patients. We’re here to help you decide between both options.

What’s a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-colored, tooth-shaped cover made of porcelain or composite. Dental veneers fit over the front of the teeth to hide discolorations, chips, and cracks. They do not strengthen the teeth or provide any structural support. In fact, your dentist will need to shave down a little bit of your tooth enamel to make space for the veneer; then, the veneer will be permanently adhered to your tooth.

Dental veneers can be used to change the apparent shape of the tooth. If you have a tooth that’s unusually short or a gap between your teeth, the dentist may recommend veneers to give your tooth the appearance of being like your other teeth.

What’s a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cover that’s placed over the entire tooth to support the tooth enamel. Dental crowns can cover discolorations, but they can also be used to strengthen enamel that a procedure like a root canal has weakened. In other words, your dentist may recommend a crown if you have cosmetic or structural problems to fix with your tooth.

Dental crowns aren’t always tooth-colored. In fact, some dental crowns are made of metal. If you want a tooth-colored dental crown to ensure that the crown looks natural, talk to your dentist when choosing the material for your crown.

Get Started With Your Dental Procedure Today

Dental crowns and dental veneers can solve some of the same problems, but there are differences between the two options. Do you have questions about dental crowns and veneers in Jacksonville, FL? Call Mandarin Dentistry to learn more.

Veneers Vs. Teeth Whitening: Which Is More Effective?

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Your teeth may become more yellow over time for any number of reasons. While we certainly think of coffee and red wine as the number one culprits, discolored teeth can be due to anything from age to disease to prescription drugs. If you’re considering a treatment to help them become whiter, we’ll look at how professional whitening and veneers compare to one another.

Teeth Whiteners Vs. Veneers

Teeth whitening in Jacksonville, FL will typically use bleaching agents to remove stains, whether they’re from last week or several years ago. While you certainly can purchase these agents at a drugstore, the truth is that you’ll get the best results with professional treatments, which can get your teeth several shades whiter than the over-the-counter alternatives. It’s worth noting that teeth whiteners can only remove external staining, meaning the stains that come from food, beverages, or age. If you have internal staining, or stains caused by tooth disease or decay, you’ll need to work out the underlying cause before you teeth can be whitened.

Veneers are a different procedure, one that will replace the surface of the tooth with a very thin, very hard coating. It’s excellent at whitening teeth, and the solution is likely to last longer than teeth whitening. In fact, whitening can only last for a few years, whereas a veneer can last as long as 15 years. For those who don’t want to keep coming in for procedures, this can be very good news. Plus, veneers can fix anything from unevenly spaced teeth to chipped teeth at the same time. The caveat is that veneers are a more involved procedure, one that will change both the shape of the tooth and the enamel.

Dentists in Jacksonville, FL

There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry services available in Jacksonville, FL for anyone who wants a movie-star smile of their own. To find the right one for you, it helps to know how a dentist will approach the situation. In some cases, you may be better off getting veneers over whitening, but the right choice will vary based on the person. For more information, contact the helpful staff of Mandarin Dentistry to find a treatment option that works for you.

Porcelain Veneer FAQ: What You Need to Know

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Do you dislike the way your teeth look? Dental veneers could be the solution to your problem. These popular dental tools are used to cover up cosmetic defects like stains, discolorations, chips and cracks. As your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, the professionals at Mandarin Dentistry offer dental veneers for patients who want to love their smile again. Here’s what to know about dental veneers.

What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin cover placed over the front of the tooth to cover the natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are designed to hide any stains, chips, cracks and other cosmetic defects affecting your teeth. Porcelain veneers are cosmetic in nature; they are not structural.

Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

You’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers if your teeth are healthy and structurally sound, and you have good oral hygiene habits. If your teeth have structural damage or need reinforcement that goes beyond a veneer, then your dentist may recommend a dental crown for you.

How are dental veneers maintained?

Dental veneers are maintained much like your natural teeth. Brush your dental veneers twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste. Do not chew on non-food items (such as ice or pen caps) with dental veneers, as this can cause your dental veneers to chip.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

To install a veneer, the front of the tooth is shaved down to make room for the veneer. Once this is done, it cannot be undone. Therefore, porcelain veneers are permanent. Veneers last as long as 10 or 15 years, but once a veneer is worn down, it will need to be replaced.

Do dental veneers look natural?

Your dentist will choose veneers that are colored like your natural teeth. Once a dental veneer is installed, you should not be able to tell the difference between a veneer and your natural teeth.

For more information about dental veneers in Jacksonville FL, make an appointment at Mandarin Dentistry. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about veneers and help you decide if this type of dental tool is right for you.

Why Choose Porcelain Veneers Over Other Types of Dental Veneers?

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Are you thinking about getting dental veneers in Jacksonville, FL? If so, you probably want to learn more about them first. Porcelain dental veneers are the most popular type of veneer. So let’s talk about why porcelain dental veneers are better than other types of dental veneers. But first, let’s briefly explain what dental veneers are.

What Are Dental Veneers?

In dentistry, dental veneers are made of a thin layer of material that is placed over the front of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers can also be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as crooked, chipped, and damaged teeth. They can also be used to fix gaps between your teeth.

Why Are Porcelain Dental Veneers Better Than Other Types of Dental Veneers?

Ask any dentist in Jacksonville, FL, and they will tell you they personally recommend porcelain dental veneers over any other type of veneer—and here’s why.

Porcelain dental veneers are the most widely recommended by dentists because they are made with porcelain only. Other types of dental veneers are made with a porcelain and resin mix. The problem with that is that veneers made with a porcelain-resin mix are more vulnerable to staining.

Additionally, porcelain-only dental veneers are hard to stain, they are extremely strong, and they look more like your natural teeth than other types of dental veneers.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, will give you an oral exam and let you know if you are a good candidate for dental veneers. The dentist will make sure you don’t have any cavities or periodontal disease and are in good oral health. Your dentist will also need to make sure you have plenty of tooth enamel, don’t have bruxism, and don’t clench your teeth because these would disqualify you from being a good candidate for dental veneers of any kind.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a dentist in Jacksonville, FL, please Contact Mandarin Dentistry today. We have a warm and inviting environment and promise to do everything in our power to make your experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.