Veneers and Worn Down Teeth
Veneers are an extremely popular tooth restoration solution commonly used in cosmetic dentistry. Both general and cosmetic dentistry frequently use veneers. They give patients a beautiful smile and are also able to restore teeth which are worn down or damaged. Dental veneers are specially created for each patient. The material of the veneer is a thin shell that bonds to the front of the tooth. Minimal preparation is required, and limited tooth structure is damaged, which can veneers superior to a crown. Veneers are typically created from composite or porcelain material. Porcelain is typically used as it is durable, resistant to stains, and can also closely match the natural teeth in color and appearance.
Many years of damage from routine use, combined with drinking beverages such as coffee, wine, and tea can cause discoloration and worn down teeth. Over time, there will be visible signs of wear on the teeth. This may include chips, cracks, and an overall change in the length or shape of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can be used to transform a patient’s smile and effectively restore their teeth.
Patients may be embarrassed of their misshapen and discovered teeth. Even using their hand to cover their mouth to cover up the damage. Through the use of veneers, patients can restore a beautiful smile and regain their confidence. Veneers are an excellent solution for repairing minor cosmetic issues. This can include teeth which are discolored, misshapen, and treating small cracks or chips.
The dentist will often obtain a panoramic x-ray prior to beginning treatment. This gives the dentist the ability to determine if there are issues such as gum disease, infection, or another issue which requires treatment. Once the x-ray is obtained, the dentist will perform an examination to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy. Gum disease must be treated prior to the placement of the veneer. Untreated gum disease can compromise the entire procedure. If infection is present, a root canal must first be completed.
Teeth Crowding and Gaps
Orthodontic treatment is required for cases of moderate to severe crowding. Veneers which are placed without orthodontic treatment, requires significant modification of the rotated teeth. This can weaken the teeth or even expose the nerve. If the patient has prominent gaps, braces are required prior to placing the veneers. If braces or orthodontic treatment is skipped, using the veneers to close the gap can result the teeth appearing too large and imbalanced.
Patients who have severely worn down teeth are not good candidates for veneer treatment. If a patient has chronic bruxism or grinds their teeth, they may have short teeth. Teeth which are too short cannot provide adequate support for a veneer. If a veneer is placed on severely damaged or worn down tooth, it will likely break and not last. Veneer are incredibly thin and unable to withstand the forces of biting without the necessary tooth structure to support it.
Veneers are an excellent tooth restoration option which can produce exceptional results. They have been giving millions of patients a beautiful smile and improved confidence. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if veneers may be a good solution for you to improve damaged or worn down teeth.