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A Smile Makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more Cosmetic Dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants, gum contouring, teeth whitening, dental reshaping and other interventions.
Some of the components taken into consideration include your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips. Smile Makeovers are performed for many reasons and customized according to your unique considerations.
What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth? Some aspects of your smile that your Cosmetic Dentist will review with you and that could be improved include the following: tooth color, alignment and spacing, missing teeth, harmony and balance, fuller lips, smile and cheeks. A Cosmetic Dentist will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your makeover.
Veneer Treatment
There is no doubt that porcelain or composite veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of teeth. Although, veneers are not built to last forever, and at some point, you will need to replace your veneers.
Looking after your veneers correctly can extend the life of your porcelain or composite veneers. On average porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years and composite veneers can last around 5 years. However, with care your veneers can last for a much longer period.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a good oral hygiene such as brushing three times a day and flossing once daily can help extend the longevity of your veneers. You should care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth.
It is important to note that veneers do not stop the build-up of decay on teeth. For this reason, it is important to maintain a high standard of oral health.
As well, aggressive brushing and insufficient dental care can lead to gum recession. This is where the gums start receding around your teeth, and the junction between the veneer and your tooth will become visible. The more recession, the more visible the junction becomes. If those areas become unsightly you may need to replace your veneers.
A good indication of hard brushing is how quickly your toothbrush becomes worn. If you are finding within a month or two of using a new toothbrush it is worn, you are most likely brushing too hard. Try using a soft toothbrush or holding your toothbrush with your fingertips.
Attend 6 Monthly Check-Up and Cleans
Check-up and cleans can help to remove build-up plaque that your toothbrush can not remove alone. If plaque is left to build up, your veneers might need to be removed to access the area.
You should also ask your Dentist to check your veneers to see if they are still secured or if there are any visible signs of vulnerability.
Seeing the Dentist frequently can help detect diseases, abnormalities and early signs of decay. Further, attending regular check-up and cleans is not only important for your health, it also keeps your treatment warranty valid.
Do Not Chew Hard Foods
Anything that can chip or crack your tooth can also chip or crack your veneer. Direct pressure with hard foods on the end of a veneer may cause it damage.
For this reason, we recommend avoiding biting directly into hard foods (e.g. ice, raw carrots, corn and nuts). Instead chop them up into small bite sized pieces. If damaged, a veneer will need to be replaced.
This also goes for chewing hard objects. If you have a habit of chewing on pens, pencils or opening bottles with teeth, this can be harmful to your veneers.
Avoid Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
When we become stressed, have an abnormal bite or even a sleeping disorder we might grind our teeth together. We recommend to our patients (especially those with porcelain veneers) to have a nightguard made to help protect teeth during sleep.
Teeth grinding or clenching at night in some cases may cause damage to veneers.
Avoid Staining Foods
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, however, over time certain foods and drink can tarnish their pearly white appearance.
The worst offenders for staining veneers are coffee, tea, wine and cigarettes. If you are not ready to give up your favourite drink, try drinking out of a straw as this can limit stains on teeth.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Large quantities of alcohol can soften the bonding cement that attaches the veneer to the tooth. This leaves the bonding agent prone to damage, erosion and stains.
This is not to say the veneer will fall off, it simply makes it more susceptible to outside forces.
Alcohol can also be found in toothpaste and mouthwash. So, check the label and make sure your tooth cleaning products are alcohol-free.
Although cosmetic dental restorations are not indestructible and will eventually need to be replaced, the life of your new smile depends as much on how well you take care of it as on the skill and talent of your Cosmetic Dentist.
Replacing a broken or fractured veneer or crown involves impressions, shade matching, a temporary and waiting for a permanent restoration. And, depending on your Dentist’s policy, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing the damaged dental crown or veneer.
Follow your Dentist’s instructions to ensure the long-term beauty of your new smile, and be sure to keep all follow-up and regular cleaning appointments with your Dentist and Periodontist.
“On Average, Porcelain Veneers Usually Last Between 10 and 15 Years, and a Few More, If They Are Cared for Properly”.
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