Dental veneers are hollow shells that are fitted over your teeth. Veneers generally cover up discolored, broken, or misshapen teeth. Usually made of porcelain, most veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Did you know, however, that veneers can actually have quite a few benefits beyond the cosmetic?
Here at District Cosmetic Dental, Dr. Shaun Alex understands just how much veneers can benefit your overall health. With years of experience in the dental field, Dr. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and compassionate care to his patients in the Washington, DC area.
Here are just a few ways in which veneers can be a great asset to your overall health.
Dental health is health care
Dental problems, like cracked or chipped teeth, can actually affect your body as a whole. Because your mouth is the entryway to your digestive and respiratory tract, bacteria from tooth decay, gum disease, or bad oral hygiene can cause major problems for your overall health.
How veneers fit into oral healthcare
Cracked or missing teeth affect your overall health in more ways than you may think. In addition to pain and discomfort, cracked teeth can also cut your mouth and gums, increasing the risk of infection and the transmission of disease.
If a crack is severe enough to expose the tooth’s pulp, the center which houses the nerves and blood vessels, dangerous bacteria can enter and cause major infections. Signs of pulp damage include color change, heat sensitivity, and pain in your tooth. If left untreated, you run the risk of infections that may even require a root canal or tooth extraction.
Veneers prevent this serious ailment by covering your chipped and broken teeth, protecting them from infection that can spread to your jaw and other parts of your body.
Veneers can improve mental health
Your smile is, in many ways, the first impression that you put out there. A great smile gives you confidence and better overall morale.
In fact, The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that nearly two-thirds of people with depression also reported experiencing a toothache within the last year. In related studies, a scientific review discovered a strong link between gum disease and common mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and other distressing emotional states.
So good oral care and a healthy smile are actually quite important to your mental health as well as your physical health. And if you have chipped or broken teeth, veneers are a great way to restore your smile and give you peace of mind.
What to expect with veneers
When it comes to placing your veneers, Dr. Alex uses a two-step process. During the initial appointment, he shaves the enamel off your affected teeth in order to ensure the veneers will fit properly. He then takes a mold of your teeth in order to create custom-shaped veneers.
The fitting happens during the second appointment. After prepping and cleaning your teeth, Dr. Alex puts on the veneers and checks the fit. If it looks good, you’re free to go. With proper cleaning and care, your veneers can last 10-15 years (or potentially longer).
There are plenty of non-cosmetic reasons to consider veneers, and Dr. Alex is happy to explain them to you during your first visit. So don’t let dental issues like broken, cracked, or missing teeth lead to something that can affect your physical and mental health. Just call us or schedule an appointment right on our website today.