Have you wondered why everyone on TV and Instagram has perfect, even smiles? Is it a Hollywood magic trick, or do you only get to be a celebrity if you have 32 straight, blindingly white teeth?

Want to know a secret?

Most of those A-list stars and Insta-influencers you’re comparing yourself to don’t come by those smiles naturally. They have a cosmetic dentist working on them behind the scenes to fix any dental flaws with veneers and whitening treatments.

That’s right. Their smiles are the result of dental fixes, and at Cedar Grove Dental, we offer the same procedures to our patients.

Yes, it’s true! You don’t have to be rich and famous to get celebrity treatment in our office. Those things you see as flaws in your smile may be corrected with something as simple as a veneer.

Veneers are a dental “magic trick” that is used around the world because they are versatile. Although they’re flimsy to look at it, these thin shells of porcelain or composite resin can transform your smile instantly.

From small chips to bigger overbites, a veneer could be the cosmetic dental fix you need. To learn more about these genius dental accessories, read on!

Veneers: An Overview

Veneers are a mix of innovative technology and basic science. The wafer-thin shells are one of dentistry’s favorite cosmetic accessories.

There are temporary veneers, but these are typically reserved for people who need an immediate fix for a day or two. They may have chipped a tooth right before a major meeting or photo session.

For the most part, people who get veneers get ‘permanent ones. The question of “are veneers permanent” is common. Although composite resin and porcelain veneers can stay on your teeth for anywhere from five years to fifteen, they’re not marketed as permanent. However, they last much longer than the temporary versions.

Whether you choose composite resin or porcelain veneers, they’ll fix minor flaws like:

• Chipped teeth
• A crooked tooth or a few teeth that aren’t bad enough to justify braces
• Stained teeth that are resistant to whitening treatments
• Uneven spaces in between teeth or gaps in the front teeth
• Teeth damaged by grinding

Because veneers are used to fix so many issues and are easy to apply, you’ll see them offered in many dental offices. Patients love them, too, since they’re minimally invasive treatments that are generally painless and don’t need anesthesia.

The process to place a veneer starts with an impression of your teeth. Your dentist will use this mold to create custom-made veneers if that’s what you decided to get. Otherwise, the impressions help determine the standard veneer to use. The goal is to find one with a shape and shade as close to your natural tooth as possible.

The newly completed veneers are then bonded to the enamel of the soon-to-be-corrected tooth. Just as you don’t notice the veneers on those close-ups on the TV screen, no one will know you have had cosmetic dental work done unless you tell them!

Keeping Your Veneers in Good Shape

No one wants to invest in a dental health fix that they have to redo again in a few months or a year. That’s why professionals chose composite resin and porcelain to make the veneers. These materials are durable and can hold up under the pressure of regular chewing, chomping, grinding, and talking.

Your dental investment should last for years. Exactly how long that is, though, depends in part on how you take care of them and what your habits are.

So should you go with composite resin or porcelain for your investment? There are pros and cons to each of them. Learning the basics about your choices lets you make an informed decision.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is a strong, hardy material that closely resembles the enamel in natural teeth. These veneers are the preferred choice for people who want to invest in their dental health and then forget about it.

With a porcelain veneer, if you can do it with a natural tooth, you can do it with the new fix. Although the wafer-thin shell looks delicate, porcelain is highly resistant to cracking.

It’s also difficult to stain, so if you enjoy a lot of brightly colored or dark foods and beverages, porcelain is a smart idea. Tobacco users also prefer porcelain because it’s harder to discolor with their habits. Note: Porcelain can still stain over time; it’s more resistant than composite resin but not stainproof.

These veneers are more expensive than the composite resin versions. However, they last longer, can be custom-made to match your natural teeth, and rarely break. Once they’re applied, you can forget about them and treat them exactly like your other teeth.

The downside to porcelain veneers is that they take longer to create. You shouldn’t expect to get your new veneer the same day as your impressions.

Composite Resin Veneers

If you’re in a hurry to fix a problem or you’re on a budget, composite resin veneers are for you.

They’re very popular because they can be bonded to your tooth in one day if you choose stock veneers. The final result looks natural, as does a porcelain veneer. But the major difference between the two kinds is their ability to withstand constant use.

With composite resin veneers, you have to be choosy with the hard and sticky foods you eat. They’re not as durable as porcelain, so they can be damaged with the wrong kinds of food. Repairing veneers is a simple, in-office procedure, though, so don’t stress if your veneer does break! Call our Cedar Grove Dental office, and we’ll get you in and out quickly.

As with your natural teeth, the better you care for them, the longer your veneers will last.

Let Us Help You Take Care of Your Smile

If you have questions like, “How long do porcelain veneers last on your front teeth?” and other cosmetic dental questions, our friendly staff is here to answer them.

No matter what kind of veneer you choose, anything can come loose with enough wear and tear. But as long as you take care of them, they’ll be an investment that will grow with you anywhere from five to fifteen years or more.

To keep your veneers and all your teeth in good shape, there are a few simple tips to follow. Use great dental habits by keeping up with your brushing and flossing every day and going for regular check-ups and cleanings at Cedar Grove Dental.

Try not to eat sticky foods and chew gum too frequently. These can damage your veneers and your natural teeth.

So take the next step and call our office to see how we can help you get the smile you want. From check-ups and cleanings to veneers and other cosmetic fixes, Cedar Grove Dental has all your dental needs in one place!