Teeth Veneers | Plano, TX

Many of our patients are amazed at how much better their smile looks after getting teeth veneers. You’ll want to keep them looking their best as long as possible. Fortunately, it isn’t hard.

We use Lumineers veneers, which are made of a special kind of ultra-strong porcelain. They are highly durable and should last for at least a decade. Many of our patients wear them far longer than that. To keep them looking terrific, you’ll want to follow the advice we’ve given here.

If you have any questions about our suggestions or want to schedule a consultation to find out if teeth veneers are right for you, call 1st In Smiles at 972-380-8105.

See if You’re a Candidate for Teeth Veneers

While teeth veneers help strengthen your teeth and can correct minor damage such as chips, your teeth should be in reasonably good shape before you get them. Most people can wear veneers, but there are a few notable exceptions:

If you’re missing quite a bit of tooth structure or have large dental fillings, a dental crown will probably work better than a veneer.
If you don’t have enough enamel for us to attach a veneer to your tooth, Dr. Barfield may recommend a crown. A crown covers your entire tooth instead of just the front surface like a veneer, so a lack of enamel won’t matter.
A veneer can correct minor misalignment of teeth, but you’ll likely require orthodontic treatment if your teeth need serious straightening.

Dr. Barfield will work closely with you to determine the right dental restoration for your smile, whether it’s teeth veneers, a crown, or something else. He’ll also advise you on the shade and dimensions for them. A tip on color: If you want to whiten your smile, do it before you get veneers. Then we can match your veneers to your brighter shade for a more natural look.

Keep Teeth Veneers Looking Great With Careful Brushing

Make sure you brush twice a day and floss regularly. You should select a toothpaste and toothbrush that won’t be too hard on your veneers. In general a gel product is less abrasive, so it’s easier on your teeth veneers than a paste. Avoid toothpastes that contain hydrogen peroxide and/or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Those ingredients could adversely affect your veneers.

Pick a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid scratching your teeth veneers. (A soft toothbrush is better for your teeth, even if you don’t have veneers!) Though porcelain resists staining, it’s a best practice to rinse your mouth with water after consuming coffee or other foods or drinks that can stain.

Treat Teeth Right to Keep Teeth Veneers in Good Shape

Teeth veneers are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. You should avoid behaviors that can damage them. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Don’t chew on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels.
Don’t open things with your teeth, or use them for other tasks for which they aren’t intended.
Do wear a mouthguard to protect teeth if you participate in sports or similar activities, especially ones where a ball is involved.
Do get a night guard if you grind your teeth, a habit that can badly damage teeth (with or without veneers). Dr. Barfield can take impressions of your teeth and make a custom night guard that gently moves your jaw into a position that prevents grinding.

Don’t Miss Regular Dental Exams

Always important, regular dental exams are even more essential when you have teeth veneers or other dental restorations. Our professional cleanings remove surface stains and help keep them looking great. In addition, Dr. Barfield can often repair minor issues like small chips or deterioration in the bond between your veneers and your teeth.

He’ll keep an especially close eye on the condition of your gums. Receding gums can expose the area where veneers meet your teeth. Because bonding material can stain, it may look like a brown line on your tooth.

If you want to find out more about teeth veneers, call 1st In Smiles at 972-380-8105.