Veneers – Northborough, MA
Disguise Your Teeth’s Imperfections
Many of our patients have relatively good oral health, but they are dissatisfied with the way their teeth look. Is that true of you? Our team will be happy to help you via our menu of cosmetic dentistry services. One such service is veneers in Northborough. This popular treatment is able to disguise many types of aesthetic imperfections in teeth and help patients enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful smile.
Why Choose Northborough Dental Associates for Porcelain Veneers?
- Treatment customized to complement your natural facial features
- Experienced, detail-oriented team
- Comfortable, patient-focused atmosphere
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin pieces of dental porcelain or ceramic that we attach to the fronts of patients’ teeth. Their purpose is to hide flaws and produce a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Some of the cosmetic issues that veneers can correct include:
- Discoloration
- Chips and cracks
- Teeth that are too small
- Asymmetrical teeth
- Very small gaps between the teeth
- Minor misalignment
Veneers are incredibly natural-looking and durable enough to stand the test of time (they typically last at least 10 – 15 years). They are even resistant to stains, so you can enjoy coffee, red wine, and other dark beverages in moderation without worrying about how they will affect your appearance.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The process of designing and placing veneers usually requires a few appointments. At the first appointment, your consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Northborough, we will learn about your goals and examine your teeth. Let us know if there is any specific smile that you would like yours to be modeled after — pictures are helpful.
Once we begin the treatment, we prepare the teeth by removing a bit of enamel from them. This step is necessary to ensure that the veneers do not look bulky or unnatural. Then, we take impressions of the teeth and provide you with temporary veneers.
You will wear the temporary veneers while a dental laboratory uses the impressions, along with detailed design notes from your dentist, to fabricate your permanent veneers. When your permanent veneers are ready, you will return to our office for another appointment. We will verify their fit before we attach them to your teeth.
The Benefits of Veneers
Some of the most outstanding benefits of veneers include:
- Natural-looking results. Dental porcelain closely resembles natural tooth enamel. We carefully design veneers so their size, shape, and color works well with a patient’s natural facial characteristics.
- Durability. Porcelain is very strong. With proper care, veneers may last for 10 or even 20 years.
- Easy care. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and avoiding activities that could break your veneers, are the keys to helping your new look stand the test of time.
- Stain-resistance. Porcelain is nonporous, which means that it does not absorb pigments like natural tooth enamel. Your veneers should retain their original color for many years.
Veneer FAQs
When you are ready to have a one-on-one consultation for veneers in Northborough, our team is eager to serve you. In the meantime, though, you may want to learn more about this treatment and what you can expect from it. Below, you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, give us a call — we look forward to speaking with you!
Are Veneers Permanent?
A set of veneers will eventually wear out. However, they considered a permanent treatment. During the preparation part of the veneers process, a bit of enamel must be removed from the teeth. This is so that the veneers will look and feel as natural as possible. The removed enamel will never grow back, meaning that your teeth may be extra sensitive. They may also look odd. The veneers protect the teeth as well as enhance their appearance. As long as you have them or another type of restoration, your teeth can remain healthy and strong. Do not let the permanent nature of this treatment scare you. The vast majority of people who get them have no regrets about their choice!
Is There Anything I Cannot Eat with Veneers?
During your treatment process, you will wear temporary veneers for a while. They are more vulnerable to stains and damage than their permanent counterparts, so you should be careful to avoid biting down on hard foods and consuming large amounts of dark beverages. It is also important that you are cautious with sticky foods, which might pull the veneers out of place.
Once your permanent veneers are attached to your teeth, you can feel free to enjoy virtually any food or drink in moderation. However, you should continue to be cautious with hard objects that might break or chip the porcelain.
Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?
Veneers do not change the actual positions of your teeth. Therefore, they cannot correct bite problems. If you have a significant overbite, underbite, or another orthodontic issue, you may need to get braces or clear aligners before you move forward with veneers.
With that being said, you may choose to disguise minor misalignment with veneers. For example, they can make teeth appear longer and thereby hide a minor open bite. They are also often able to close small gaps between teeth and address other issues that have a bearing on your appearance but that are not a significant threat to your oral health.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The lifespan of veneers can vary. A 2007 study found that 93% of veneers lasted 10 – 11 years, while 73% lasted 15 – 16 years. A separate study, conducted in 2012, produced even more encouraging results. It found that 83% of veneers lasted 20 years. If you stick to good habits, regularly visit your cosmetic dentist in Northborough, and are careful to avoid doing anything that could damage your veneers, it is entirely possible that your set will last for close to 30 years or longer.