Chip A Tooth? Veneers Can Restore Your Perfect Smile
Posted on: 17 November 2014
If you've recently chipped a front tooth, then you know the feelings of shock and horror that run through your body when you first feel the rough chipped area with your tongue. You probably ran to the mirror and stared at yourself, perhaps even crying as you thought about your once-perfect smile and how quickly it was just ruined. Chipping a front tooth is undoubtedly unpleasant, but you don't have to panic. A cosmetic dentist can use a simple prosthetic called a veneer to make sure no one ever sees your chipped, imperfect grin again.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that a cosmetic dentist can place over the fronts of teeth. They are bonded to your tooth with a very strong dental glue and are more-or-less permanent, though you may have to have your veneer replaced if you ever chip it. The veneer looks just like a natural tooth, but it covers your unsightly chipped tooth so that no one who looks at you will ever see it. Your dentist will make sure your veneer is the same color as your natural teeth, so it's not obvious.
Does having veneers applied hurt?
No, the process of having veneers placed on your teeth is completely painless. Your dentist will start by making impressions of your tooth or teeth to determine how large to make the veneer. He or she will shave off a very thin layer of the enamel on the front of your tooth to prepare it for the veneer. Anesthetic will be used to make sure you don't feel any pain at this point. When the veneer arrives from the laboratory, your dentist will use a special adhesive to bond it to your tooth.
Can you eat normally with veneers?
In ensure you don't chip your veneer, you'll probably want to avoid crunching hard foods, like sunflower seeds and pistachios, between your front teeth. Other than this, you can eat normally. The veneer may feel a little strange in your mouth for a couple of days, but you'll soon grow accustomed to it.
How do you take care of veneers?
There is no additional care involved with wearing a veneer over your front tooth. Just continue to brush your teeth thoroughly twice per day, and floss once a day. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning sessions, and you should be in good shape.
A chipped tooth can certainly ruin your day, but don't let it ruin your life. Visit your dentist as soon as the chip occurs, and talk to him or her about your treatment options. If the chip is small, your dentist may be able to file and shape your tooth to make it less obvious. In most cases, however, having a veneer applied with cosmetic dentistry is an effective, painless option.
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