Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

Can Dental Veneers Be Replaced?

Three older ladies with linked arms, smiling and shopping together

Veneers are an amazing long-term cosmetic treatment that can transform your smile into something you’ll want to show off daily! Veneers are permanent, but as with anything they are subject to wear and tear over time. In this post, we’ll explore veneer replacement and some other key facts about veneers!

Are Veneers Permanent?

Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent procedure. This means that they are an irreversible procedure. That is because the process involves removing a layer of the enamel from the surface of the teeth. This is done because the tooth needs to be shaped in order for the veneer to be bonded to the surface. With great oral care, veneers can be expected to last for 15 years. They are a popular cosmetic procedure for adults of all ages.

Replacing Veneers

Yes, porcelain veneers can be replaced! Some signs that you may need to replace a veneer include a chip or crack; decay to the natural tooth underneath; effects of gum disease; or a bad fit. The replacement process won’t differ greatly from the initial veneer application process. Dr. Tin will remove the veneer as well as the residual bonding agent from the tooth. Then, new impressions will be taken to ensure your brand new, custom-fit veneer. Once the new veneer is available, Dr.Tin will once again bond the veneer to the tooth, and you’ll have that stunning smile back!

Porcelain Veneers in Elk Grove, California

Think you might be a good candidate for porcelain veneers? The road to a perfect smile starts with a consultation here at Villa Vista Dental. Get started by calling our office today. Or, you can go online and request your visit using our convenient form. While you’re at it, check out the array of other cosmetic services we offer!

Call us today to learn more about porcelain veneers!

Contact Us

Dental Implants vs. Veneers

Man and woman with dental implants and veneers smile as they cuddle on the couch with orange mugs

Dental implants and veneers are increasingly common dental procedures, but patients are often uncertain which one is best for them. Simply put, dental implants are intended to solve an oral health problem, while veneers are intended to solve merely a cosmetic problem. In this article, we give an overview of both dental implants and veneers, and summarize the benefits of each.

Dental Implants

When teeth are missing or removed, the only options are to do nothing or to add artificial replacement teeth. Traditionally, replacing teeth has been accomplished with dental bridges or dentures. But dental implants are now recognized as the superior option for a permanent solution. They serve as artificial tooth roots, with a biocompatible titanium rod being surgically inserted into the jawbone to bond with the natural bone. Then, an “abutment” is connected to the top of the dental implant that serves to hold an artificial crown, which is custom-made to match the look and feel of your natural teeth.

Benefits

Not only are modern dental implants the strongest and most realistic option to replace teeth, but they require virtually no more maintenance than regular teeth. They are also the only tooth replacement option that actually helps stimulate bone growth to prevent bone loss.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain that are cemented to the front surfaces of natural teeth. They offer a permanent solution to many cosmetic dental issues, such as teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or otherwise imperfect. Gapped teeth or crooked teeth are typically treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments, but veneers can often accomplish the same cosmetic effect. Of course, it doesn’t correct the underlying condition, but the cosmetic flaws are rendered invisible.

Benefits

Veneers are designed to look just the way you want, so you can create your dream smile! Additionally, being stain-resistant, veneers offer a permanent way to whiten your smile. There’s never any need for whitening treatments!

If you have any questions about dental implants or veneers, contact us today to set up a consultation at Villa Vista Dental!

Contact Us

6 Things That Cause Teeth to Turn Yellow

Brunette woman wearing a black hoodie covers her mouth with her hands due to embarrassing yellow teeth

Yellow teeth are not just an indication of uncleanliness. In fact, there are quite a few different reasons why your teeth may have lost their brightness. We’ll go over the most common reasons below, as well as how you can brighten up your smile.

    1. Diet

    Your diet affects your entire wellbeing, including the state of your oral health! Americans are accustomed to diets with high amounts of sugar and starch as well as acidic beverages like coffee, soda, and alcohol. Those just happen to among the most harmful things for your teeth! The bacteria that feed on sugar and starch release acid when they break them down, making it much easier for your teeth to stain and develop decay.

    2. Fluoride

    Fluoride is a natural mineral that fights decay. But if you regularly swallowed your toothpaste as a child before your permanent teeth finished erupting from your gums, you may have developed fluorosis, which looks like white streaks or even dark spots on your teeth. Make sure your own children don’t develop fluorosis by supervising their teeth brushing routine!

    3. Smoking

    Smoking causes dry mouth because it suppresses your natural immune response to bacteria, making it easier to develop infections, decay, and discoloration. Once bacteria in your mouth multiply at a fast rate, you’re more likely to experience damage to your enamel and staining.

    4. Medication

    Certain medications like tetracyclines, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives can make it easier for your teeth to turn yellow.

    5. Physical Trauma

    If you grind your teeth, you’re slowly grinding away your enamel, exposing the underlying yellow layer of dentin.

    6. Genetics

    Your tooth color can be genetic! If you’ve noticed that your family members have inexplicably dull or yellow teeth, that may be the reason why you do too. Some people have naturally weak and thin enamel, so the yellow dentin is more noticeable. Moreover, some people’s teeth are more easily affected by dietary or lifestyle changes than others.

Solutions for a Whiter Smile

You don’t have to live with yellow teeth forever, no matter the cause! While you should make any necessary lifestyle to prevent further staining, consider your teeth whitening options as well. At Villa Vista Dental, we offer ZOOM!® one-visit whitening that can brighten your smile up to eight shades in just one hour. Or utilize our custom take-home whitening trays to brighten your smile on your own schedule in the comfort of your own home.

Contact us to schedule a whitening consultation for a brighter, whiter smile!

Contact Us