Tips from Carlsbad, CA dentist on caring for porcelain veneers

Have you dreamt of flashing a radiant smile with even, white teeth? Maybe you already know that porcelain veneers could give you that confidence in the office, on the sales floor, or on the dating scene, but you are concerned about how to protect this investment. Carlsbad, CA dentist, Dr. Al A. Fallah, shares helpful information on caring for veneers, for many years of appealing smiles.

How porcelain veneers beautify Carlsbad, CA smiles

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The golden ratio is a mathematical formula that creates proportions that are extremely pleasing to the human eye and brain. You can find the golden ratio throughout art, architecture, design, and music. It also shows up repeatedly in nature, including smiles. The golden ratio determines the most aesthetic length and width of each tooth in relation to others in the arch. That congruence may be disrupted, genetically, or due to dental damage or wear

As an experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fallah is adept at restoring the visual harmony of the smile with porcelain veneers.

A dental veneer is a thin shell of restorative material that mimics the color and light-reflecting qualities of enamel. It is placed over the outside surface of a tooth, to enhance its appearance. While one tooth may be veneered, usually anterior teeth that show most readily when you speak, or smile are treated together, for optimal uniformity.

Here are some of the cosmetic conditions that can be improved with veneers:

• Deep discoloration – Professional teeth whitening removes surface stains and bleaches the deeper layer of dentin. However, some internal staining, such as from childhood medications or trauma, can be quite stubborn. Veneers mask discoloration, reinstating natural brilliance. Some people are genetically predisposed to yellowish or gray enamel, though teeth are healthy. Veneers are a long-lasting solution.
• Unusual shape or size – Carefully-designed veneers make teeth look longer (or shorter, by increasing width), and balance the visual proportion of white tooth to pink gum tissue. If your teeth are worn down from bruxing (nighttime clenching and grinding), veneers may be an option.
• Uneven alignment and gaps – Veneers disguise minor misalignment by covering crooked, twisted, and overlapped teeth with straight, even facades. Veneers can also be shaped to fill spaces between teeth.
• Flawed enamel – Some surface imperfections may not compromise structural stability of teeth, but certainly affect appearance. Plus, chips, cracks, pits, and grooves tend to trap stains. Veneers give these teeth a smooth, glossy finish.

Preserving porcelain veneers

Veneers (like any other dental restoration) cannot reasonably be expected to last a lifetime. However, the longevity of veneers is greatly influenced by the skill and experience of the dentist and the materials used for the restorations and bonding. With good care, veneers can provide many years of trouble-free, beautiful aesthetics. Research indicates that 95 percent of properly-prepared veneers are in place and looking great after five years, 94 percent at the ten-year mark, and 83 percent at 20 years.

These tips from Dr. Fallah can help your veneers exceed performance expectations.

Good home hygiene is essential. Though porcelain veneers cannot form cavities, natural tooth structures underneath may develop decay. About six percent of veneer failures are due to this situation. Brush teeth gently but thoroughly, at least in the morning and before bedtime (after all meals is better). Use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste. A stiff brush, abrasive paste, or heavy hand may scratch veneers, dulling their luster and allowing stains to embed.

Floss every day by pulling the strand toward gums, then working it in a V-shape to clean sides of teeth, before sliding it out at the gum line. Avoid yanking floss out, which could dislodge veneers.

When brushing, be sure to give extra attention to the margin, where veneers meet gum tissue. This daily regimen will help your mouth stay free of gum recession and periodontal disease – complications which are responsible for about 13 percent of veneer failures.

Avoid excessive force that may damage or displace a veneer. This includes chewing fingernails, chopping ice, or biting directly into hard foods. If you are a bruxer – you grind and clench teeth during sleep – Dr. Fallah will provide a night guard. Wear this comfortable, custom-fitted appliance at night to protect veneers and teeth, and to relieve jaw strain.

Are you ready to show your best smile to the world? Porcelain veneers could be an excellent choice. Call (760) 730-1600 to schedule a cosmetic consultation at Dentistry for San Diego in Carlsbad, CA.