Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Liyen Keen on Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Liyen Keen is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are contact lens-thin porcelain "coverings" that cover the front of the teeth much like an acrylic fingernail sits on a nail. They are used to change the color and shape of teeth in two visits.
Q. How long to dental veneers last?
A. They can last for many years as long as proper care is taken.
Q. Do dental veneers require special care?
A. Yes. Aside from meticulous oral hygiene (flossing and brushing), it is important not to bite into hard foods like apples or baby carrots. Although they are very strong for their thickness, they can still shatter due to the innate properties of porcelain. Hard foods must be cut and chewed in the back. Wearing a nightguard at night is also highly recommended to protect the veneers, especially if the patient is a bruxer (grinds teeth at night).
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. An alternative to dental veneers is bonding. Bonding is the placement of a resin material to cover the teeth much like a porcelain veneer would. It can be done in one visit in most cases. The main difference between the resin material and the porcelain is that porcelain will never stain.
Sometimes crowns are a better option for a patient than veneers. They are "caps" that go over each tooth completely (front and back). They are stronger and can look just as good as veneers.
Bleaching is an alternative if the goal is to change the color of teeth. With a combination of home bleaching and power bleaching, your natural teeth can whiten significantly.
If the goal is to change the position of teeth (such as closing a gap), orthodontics is an alternative. Many adults whose teeth are crooked, crowded or have too many spaces can have their smiles corrected in six months or less. That is really not a very long time to invest for a lifetime of a beautiful smile.
Q. Do veneers look natural?
A. Veneers can look very natural. In most cases people won’t ever be able to tell the difference between veneers and natural teeth.
Q. Does the veneer protect the tooth from decay?
A. It can protect the tooth only where it covers the tooth. However, in areas that are not covered by the veneer, it is still possible to get decay. If good oral hygiene is not maintained, it is possible that decay may form at the edges of the veneer and spread underneath the veneer. However, this is very rare and not a big cause for concern as long as you brush and floss everyday, stay away from sugary drinks, and see the dentist at least every six months. These are precautions that need to be taken anyway, regardless of whether you have veneers or not.
Q. What does a veneer cost?
A. The cost of a veneer can typically range from $700 to $1,500 each.
Q. How to contact Dr. Keen if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
17320 W Grand Parkway South
Suite B
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Phone: 832-595-2505
Fax: 832-595-2290
Email:drkeen@riverparkdentalweb.com
Website: http://www.riverparkdentalweb.com/
