Are there cosmetic dental flaws keeping you from showingoff your best smile? Chips, cracks, and even stains can lower self-esteem andcause you to run and hide from the camera, but guess what? There’s a solutionto fix these types of problems! With porcelain veneersin University Park, your smile can be transformed, eliminating any imperfectionthat had you hiding in embarrassment before. But in order for these popular,ultra-thin coverings to last, you’ll need to make some changes to your diet by avoidingcertain foods. Let’s learn more about porcelain veneers and what you need to doto keep your new smile looking great for years to come.
How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded tothe surface of your teeth. Considered a versatile cosmetic treatment, they canhide various dental imperfections, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Broken teeth
- Stains or discoloration
- Misshaped or “small” teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor misalignments
Once your cosmetic dentist in University Park gives you thegreen light to pursue porcelain veneers, he will need to remove a small portionof the enamel from each tooth that plans to have a veneer. This will ensure thethin covering lays flat against your natural tooth and the bonding agent worksas it should. Taking impressions of your smile, these will be sent to dentallab technicians who will create your custom veneers based on the color, size,and shape you and your dentist designate.
The next time you visit your dentist will be to have thepermanent veneer placed. After examining the finished product carefully, hewill carefully bond each veneer to the tooth and use a curing light to secureit in place. In no time at all, you’ll be seeing a brand-new smile!
What Foods Should I Avoid?
In order to keep this new smile looking its best, there aresome changes you’ll need to make in your lifestyle habits and diet. Yourdentist will recommend that you avoid certain foods simply because of the possibledamage you could cause to your veneers. Some of these foods include:
- Ice
- Hard Candy
- Dark-Colored Beverages and Foods
- Alcohol
Ice and hard candy can break or chip your porcelain veneers,resulting in more dental work needed to repair them. If it comes off in full,it may be possible for your dentist to simply re-bond the veneer to your tooth;however, if it chips or breaks, it will most likely be necessary to have a newone made.
Alcohol and stain-causing foods and beverages can cause yourveneers to lose their shine and natural look, leading you back to the reasonyou wanted these restorations in the first place.
How Can I Keep Them Lasting Longer?
Apart from changing your diet, there are a few additionaltips that can help your veneers last longer:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for twominutes
- Floss at least once a day, if not after everymeal
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Keep your regular dental appointments (every sixmonths)
- Limit the amount of sugar and starch you consume,as these are cause for harmful bacteria to grow and lead to tooth decay and gumdisease
Remember, with a new smile comes responsibility. Taking careof your veneers is important if you want them to last the estimate 10-15 years.It’s time to feel great about your smile, and you can with porcelain veneers.
About the Author
Dr. Davina Prida earned her degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where she graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Prida is also a member of the Texas Army National Guard. One of her main focuses is creating beautiful Smiles. She ia a Top Dallas Dentist Providing High Quality Dental Care, General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, and Reconstructive Dentistry. Dr Davina Prida is fulfilling her vision of bringing the very best in cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry and general dentistry to Dallas at Inwood Village Dental. Dr. Prida’s approach of dental excellence and her use of advanced techniques, create the most natural, beautiful smiles possible. Dr. Prida is Dallas’ top cosmetic dentist, creating amazing smile makeovers with veneers, dental implants, dental crowns and bridges and Invisalign®. If you have questions about your dental treatment or dental care options, don’t hesitate to contact her at Inwood Village Dental or at (214) 352-2777.