Many patients assume that the only benefit of dental veneers is a boost to their appearance. However, this cosmetic procedure in Lexington, KY, also provides important preventive and restorative benefits.
Porcelain veneers in Lexington, KY, can also help protect and preserve your oral health. If your dentist recommends veneers, it’s often for more than aesthetics. If you have damage or malocclusion, veneers could be the best way to treat the problem.
How Porcelain Veneers in Lexington, KY, Benefit Your Oral Health
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that fixes teeth that aren’t quite perfect. These thin, durable shells sit over your teeth. They’re great for restoring damaged teeth, reshaping them, or even closing gaps between them. While the result is an improved smile, porcelain veneers also offer other health benefits.
Improved Oral Hygiene
When your smile is crooked, it’s a lot easier for food to get stuck between your teeth. Not only that, but it also tends to be harder to clear food particles away when brushing and flossing. That means crooked teeth can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Porcelain veneers can make your smile straighter and healthier. They work by closing up those pesky gaps between your teeth. This means fewer spots where food can get stuck, making it simpler to keep your teeth clean and lowering the risk of cavities.
Restoring Damage
Your dentist may recommend veneers to fix minor chips or fractures on a tooth that’s in your smile zone. Our natural-looking dental crowns are great for fixing up your tooth. But if you’re going for looks, veneers give you more control over the results. Plus, the tough porcelain dentists use can prevent further damage while upgrading your smile. However, a veneer won’t be enough to help preserve your tooth if the damage is extensive.
The Cost of Veneers
Many patients avoid veneers and other cosmetic treatments because of the cost. While it’s true that many insurance companies are more restrictive regarding cosmetic procedures, that doesn’t mean you always have to pay out of pocket for the full treatment. If veneers are recommended for restorative or preventive measures, you might have partial coverage.
However, coverage may apply only to teeth affected by damage or malocclusion. Since veneers often come in pairs, it’s important to submit a pre-authorization to see what kind of coverage you could expect.
Veneers vs. Other Smile Improvements
Professional teeth whitening only changes tooth color, but veneers can also fix small chips and make teeth look straighter. Braces actually move teeth over time, while veneers give you instant results. Dental bonding is cheaper than veneers but doesn’t last as long or stay as white. Your dentist can help you pick the best choice based on what you want to change about your smile.
Keeping Your Veneers Looking Great
Porcelain veneers can stay beautiful for 10-15 years or more with proper care. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss every day – especially where the veneers meet your real teeth. Try to break habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens that could damage them. If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard will protect your veneers.
While veneers don’t stain as easily as natural teeth, drinking lots of coffee, tea, or red wine might dull them over time. Regular dental cleanings will keep them in perfect shape so you can enjoy your smile.
More Than Just a Pretty Smile
Veneers do more than just improve how your teeth look – they often make people feel better about themselves, too. Many patients say they feel more confident at work and in social situations after getting veneers. Smiling without feeling embarrassed can make you less anxious and happier overall.
Some people even make healthier life choices because they want to take care of their new smile. While you can’t measure these benefits like you can count years of wear, most patients say feeling good about their smile is the best part of getting veneers.
Is Veneer Treatment Right For You?
Veneers work well for patients with basically healthy teeth who want to fix stains that won’t bleach away, small chips, little gaps, or slightly crooked teeth. If you have many cavities, gum problems, or worn-down teeth, you may need other treatments first. People who grind their teeth hard may need to correct that habit before getting veneers.
At your consultation, your dentist will check your teeth and gums to see whether veneers can give you the smile you want while keeping your teeth healthy. If you’re unhappy with the look or feel of your smile, porcelain veneers may help. At Complete Dentistry, we may also recommend veneers to address damage or help prevent it. Call us today at 859-251-3809 to schedule a consultation and find out whether veneers are right for you.