While veneers are technically considered cosmetic treatments, a cosmetic dentist may describe additional benefits to getting them added to the teeth. Dental veneers can both improve the look of the smile and help keep teeth healthy. These thin, customized shells cover the front of the teeth and can be customized to match the color of the existing teeth for a natural look. The main reason most people get veneers is to change the appearance of the smile, which is why they are considered cosmetic.
Cosmetic reasons to get veneers
There are a number of appearance issues veneers are able to fix.
Changing tooth color
Those with severely discolored teeth that are unresponsive to whitening treatment can add veneers to get a brighter, whiter smile. Because patients can choose the color of the veneers, it is simple to select a shade that looks both whiter and natural.
Changing tooth shape
Adding veneers can make irregularly shaped teeth appear more symmetrical. Odd curves or bumps can be fixed without having to remove excessive amounts of enamel.
Changing tooth size
Teeth that appear too short or too thin can be made to look longer, wider, or both by getting veneers. Because a veneer adds substance to the tooth, it can both be customized to fit the original tooth while making it appear more aesthetically appealing.
Fixing chipped teeth
Veneers can also be used as an alternative to dental bonding in the event a tooth gets chipped. A chip in a highly visible location like a front tooth can be difficult to conceal with dental bonding, but a veneer can conceal it seamlessly. The dental cement used to attach the veneer can fill in the chip while the veneer itself covers up any irregularity in the tooth.
Fixing gaps in teeth
Because veneers add a small amount of material to the teeth, adding them can reduce or close gaps between teeth. While larger gaps may require other treatment methods to completely close it, smaller gaps can typically be solved with veneers.
Minimize damage from tooth grinding
Years of wear and tear from tooth grinding can cause the teeth to erode and appear shorter or misshapen. Veneers can restore the natural shape of the tooth and help prevent further erosion of the enamel.
Noncosmetic benefits of veneers
In addition to changing the appearance the teeth, veneers applied by a cosmetic dentist can assist with the prevention of oral diseases.
Replace worn down enamel
Eroded enamel can leave the teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Veneers are applied on top of the enamel and can protect weakened enamel from exposure to germs and bacteria.
Maintain the jaw’s structural integrity
Teeth that are misaligned can cause issues such as temporomandibular joint disease, which leads to jaw pain and headaches. Altering the way the teeth align with veneers can help minimize the risk of jaw complications.
Conclusion
A cosmetic dentist most often adds veneers to alter the appearance of the teeth. However, veneers can also provide noncosmetic benefits such as protecting enamel and minimizing the risk of jaw problems.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
Those looking to brighten their smiles should consider consulting a cosmetic dentist. Trying to achieve a whiter smile with inexpensive store-bought products can be tempting. However, a dental professional knows what works and what does not when trying to achieve a whiter smile. For the best chance at seeing the results you want, talk to…
A cosmetic dentist is one of the best resources to utilize when looking to get rid of gaps in between the teeth. Gaps are not the best look when it comes to having a perfect smile; however, there are a lot of ways that a cosmetic dentist can resolve this issue. With dentistry coming such…
When scheduling a dental appointment, two commonly sought-after professionals are a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist. While both dentists play a vital role in caring for your oral health, they offer some distinct differences. Choosing between the two boils down to the type of service you require during your appointment.The key difference between a…