Veneers in Eau Claire

Porcelain veneers last for 10-15 years and composite resin veneers last for 4-8 years. Porcelain shells last much longer because the material is more durable and stain-resistant compared to composite resin. However, while porcelain veneers last longer, they also cannot be repaired. 
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If you chip or damage your porcelain veneers, they will need to be completely replaced whereas composite resin veneers can be repaired. To extend the lifespan of your veneers, you should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. 
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Avoid staining foods, drinks, and smoking. Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages, chew on ice, hard foods, or other objects. If you grind your teeth, you should always wear a mouthguard when you sleep.

If you’re interested in veneers, contact us at Valley Edge Dental today to schedule a consultation.

If you have mild tooth damage or aesthetic imperfections in your teeth that you want to change, then veneers are an effective and long-lasting treatment. Veneers are suitable for correcting minor tooth damage such as chips, cracks, or eroded enamel.

 They can also cover up minor orthodontic problems like gaps and crooked teeth. If you have discoloration, misshapen teeth, or teeth that are small or sharp, veneers can transform your teeth into white, straight, uniform teeth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. 

However, you need to be in good oral health to be a candidate for veneers. Tooth decay, gum disease, severe tooth damage, and severely misaligned teeth will need to be corrected through restorative or orthodontic treatment first.

Since we need to file a small amount of your tooth enamel to prepare your teeth for veneers, you should have strong and healthy enamel to prevent damage. If your enamel is already too thin, this puts you at risk for cavities and infection. Dr. Erin Tollefson or Dr. Joe Bartlett will examine and take x-rays of your teeth during your consultation to determine if veneers are right for you.

The most obvious benefits of veneers are that they can correct various cosmetic problems with your smile. They transform crooked, discolored, damaged, and awkwardly shaped teeth into a perfectly aesthetic smile without any visible imperfections. 

Veneers are specially fabricated to look as natural as possible and to perfectly fit over your teeth. We use many different techniques to select the perfect shade for your veneers and to determine how many veneers are appropriate. 

We can use a shade guide to match your veneers to your natural teeth. We take into consideration how many teeth are visible when you smile and the condition of your teeth to determine how many veneers you need.

Veneers are minimally invasive, long-lasting, durable, and stain resistant. They achieve similar cosmetic goals as dental bonding and teeth whitening but the results last for up to 15 years without the need for constant reapplication.

No, porcelain veneers are irreversible and it is not advisable to remove your veneers. Because we file off .5 mm of your natural tooth enamel which will never grow back, you need to keep your teeth covered with veneers for the rest of your life. 

Since veneers last for a very long time, you may not need to replace them for another 15 years. However, if you were to have them removed, your underlying teeth would be too thin to stand on their own. This puts them at risk for damage and tooth decay. 

However, if you want a reversible set of veneers, we can use composite resin instead of porcelain shells. This requires less prep work so we can keep your natural enamel intact. The composite resin veneers are built on top of your teeth in the office and can later be removed without damaging your natural teeth. However, they are less durable and do not last as long as porcelain veneers.

The cardinal rules of veneer maintenance are oral hygiene, prevention of wear and tear, and prevention of stains. To prevent tooth decay from developing under your veneers, you need to brush, floss, and attend regular dental cleanings. Limit your consumption of sugar and drink fluoridated water.

Veneers can become damaged easily if you don’t alter your lifestyle. Patients who grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers. However, if you wear a mouthguard at night, you can prevent damage to your veneers. 

Likewise, chewing on hard, crunchy, and sticky foods or objects also causes degradation. Avoid chewing on these things and don’t use your teeth as tools. Rinse your mouth with water after eating dark-colored sauces and drinks to prevent staining of your veneers.