Veneers – Hamden, CT

During the veneers treatment process, your cosmetic dentist in Hamden will have to remove a small portion of your tooth enamel. That enamel will never grow back on its own, and without it, your teeth will be extra-sensitive. Their appearance may be affected as well. You will always need veneers or another type of restoration to protect them. Therefore, in a sense, veneers are a permanent commitment. You will need to get yours replaced, on average, every 10 – 15 years or so.

Do not let the long-term nature of this treatment scare you away. The vast majority of patients who get veneers are happy with their decision.

Veneers are made out of porcelain, a nonporous material that does not absorb pigment like normal tooth enamel. Therefore, you should be able to enjoy coffee in moderation without worrying that it will adversely affect your smile’s appearance.

However, keep in mind that veneers are not entirely invulnerable to discoloration. The cement that holds them in place may change color over time. The veneers themselves may also develop small scratches that can collect pigments in them. Taking good care of your veneers and not overindulging in dark beverages can help your smile stay looking and feeling its best.

Veneers do not actually move the teeth, so they cannot be used for bite corrections. If you have significant dental misalignment, you should ask your dental team about orthodontic treatment before you get veneers.

With that being said, it is important to note that veneers can hide some types of bite problems. For example, if you have a minor open bite, veneers can make your teeth appear longer, thereby making it difficult or impossible for onlookers to notice the bite issue.

Veneers cannot be whitened. Therefore, if you are not happy with the current color of your teeth, and you do not yet have veneers, you should consider getting a whitening treatment before you move ahead with veneers. The veneers will be shade-matched to the current color of your smile.

If you already have veneers and they are looking a little lackluster, do not try whitening products; your natural teeth may respond, but your veneers will not. You could end up with a mismatched smile. Instead, talk to your cosmetic dentist about your concerns. The appearance of your veneers may improve after they are polished. However, it is also possible that you will have to get them replaced in order to achieve the look you want.

We usually have to remove a sliver of enamel from the teeth in order to prepare them for veneers. This helps the veneers to adhere well and prevents them from looking overly bulky.

This process does not cause harm to the teeth. Although the removed portion of the enamel will not regrow on its own, the teeth will be protected by the veneers, so there is not an increased risk of cavities or other issues. As long as you stick to good habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, the teeth are likely to remain strong and problem-free.

Some people develop a slight lisp when they first get veneers from our Hamden team. As your mouth adapts to the new size of your teeth, any speech abnormalities should go away. For many people, this process takes just a few days.

If you have ongoing speech issues, your veneers might be slightly too big. Our team may be able to adjust them so they fit more comfortably and you can talk more naturally.

Veneers boast impressive longevity! For many patients, they last at least 10 years before replacement becomes necessary. In some cases, they endure up to 20 – 30 years with proper care.

Our team will coach you on the steps you can take to help your veneers stand the test of time. Thorough oral hygiene is important. You should also protect your veneers from damage by not using them to bite hard objects and wearing a mouthguard if you play sports. Abstaining from tobacco products is also very helpful. Of course, regular dental appointments are paramount as well.

The number of veneers needed depends on what you want to accomplish. You might need just one veneer to cover a chipped or damaged tooth. Many patients choose to get 6 – 8 veneers to cover the upper front teeth that are most visible when they smile. In some cases, we recommend 10 – 12 veneers or more. During your consultation, we can help you determine how many you need to achieve a smile that you are proud to show off.

Some people think that veneers and crowns are the same thing, but that is not true at all! A crown is a restoration that covers the entire portion of a tooth that protrudes above the gumline. Its purpose is to protect and fortify the tooth, and it tends to be about twice as thick as a veneer.

Veneers go only on the front surface of the teeth, and their purpose is solely cosmetic. They can hide flaws but are not meant to repair damaged or weak teeth.