Are Veneers Better than Braces?  

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Veneers and braces can both change the appearance of your teeth, but the two serve very different purposes. If you’re looking for a dentist in Portland, OR, we’ll go over what you should know about them and whether braces are a better choice for you.

The Basics

Veneers and braces can both improve your smile. If you have gaps or uneven teeth, they can straighten everything out so you can grin with confidence. However, veneers are a largely cosmetic procedure, performed only on the visible teeth in front. If you want to straighten your teeth to correct other types of issues, such as an underbite or other major misalignments, you’ll want to go for braces.

The Advantages of Veneers

Veneers don’t just straighten out your teeth. These thin coverings can elongate your teeth and make them a few shades whiter. Plus, depending on the teeth you need to fix, you may only need to pay for a few veneers as opposed to a full set of braces in Portland, OR.

The Advantages of Braces

Braces may not whiten your teeth or make short teeth longer, but they can make a huge difference to your health. Left untreated, dental issues can lead to anything from receding gums to tooth loss to earaches and neck pain. Aligning your teeth doesn’t just make it easier to brush and floss (which is helpful enough), it can actually help you avoid chronic issues like TMJ.

Veneers in Portland, OR

If you want veneers in Portland, OR, it should ideally be to fix a few superficial flaws. If you’re looking for a dentist who can help you decide the best course of treatment for your teeth, City Dental is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how to decide.

 

What Are Dental Veneers? 

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Are your teeth stained? Chipped? Cracked? Sounds like you could benefit from dental veneers in Portland OR. Veneers don’t fix structural problems, but they can cover up cosmetic problems. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, then veneers may be exactly the right option for you.

Dental veneers are like little covers that are secured to the front of your teeth. Veneers can hide defects like stains, chips and more. Veneers look just like natural teeth, and for most people, veneers are indistinguishable from real teeth.

How are dental veneers installed?

Dental veneers are usually installed over a period of multiple days. Installation starts with your dentist making impressions of your teeth, to ensure the veneers will fit. Once the impression is made, the veneers are ordered from a lab.

Before dental veneers can be installed, the tooth must be prepared. To do this, your dentist will shave down or shape the tooth. Next, the tooth is cleaned. Finally, an adhesive is used to glue the veneer to the front of the tooth.

How are dental veneers maintained?

Dental veneers must be cleaned with non-abrasive toothpaste. If you have dental veneers, you should also see your dentist regularly to ensure that your veneers remain in good shape. Many dentists recommend that their patients see them every six months for a check-up.

Do dental veneers look natural?

Dental veneers look just like natural teeth. Even the color of your dental veneers is matched to the color of your natural teeth.

If you’re convinced that dental veneers are the solution to your problem, then the first step is to consult with a dentist in Portland OR. Get started with a call to City Dental. Make your appointment today.

 

Can I Use Veneers to Make My Teeth Larger?

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Dental veneers in Portland, OR are ideal for hiding teeth imperfections. If you have gaps, uneven teeth or crooked teeth, dental veneers can help. But sometimes, dental veneers can do even more than disguise imperfections; they can truly transform your smile and make it appear that you have very different natural teeth. You may be asking, can veneers make teeth look larger?

Custom Veneers Mimic Natural Teeth

Your Portland, Oregon dentist will have custom veneers made that mimic your natural teeth in size, shape and color. This is so that your veneers will be as discreet as possible. Quality veneers are nearly imperceptible to others. In fact, many of your closest friends and co-workers may already have veneers without you realizing it.

Custom Veneers Can Also Transform Teeth

Because veneers are custom-made, you and your dentist can do something very special, which is to make your teeth appear larger. Sometimes, the issue with a person’s smile has less to do with teeth alignment and more to do with the size of the teeth. In cases like this, it’s entirely possible to have veneers that make your teeth look larger than they are.

Dental Veneers Can Change the Look of Teeth

In addition to this, dental veneers can also be made to alter the profile of your teeth. In other words, if your teeth tend to curve in and downward, you can get custom dental veneers that subtly alter and correct that curvature.

Your dentist will be able to share with you all the possibilities that there are with custom dental veneers. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss how veneers can transform your smile or even make your existing natural teeth appear larger.

How to Keep Veneers Looking Brand New

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When you walk away with dental veneers in Portland, OR, you’ll be proud of your beautiful new smile. Veneers can transform an ordinary or unattractive smile into one that will make you feel proud to show off those pearly whites. Don’t let the excitement of those first few days wane by letting your veneers get dingy. Here’s how to keep them looking brand new.

Be Diligent About Oral Hygiene

If poor oral hygiene was what caused you to need veneers in the first place, it’s time to change your habits. Be diligent about brushing and flossing after each meal. Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Above all, follow your dental veneers care instructions that your dentist gave you.

Avoid Problematic Foods and Beverages

You can eat and drink as usual when you have dental veneers. There’s no reason to give up your favorite foods unless they are problematic. Problematic foods and beverages include things that could damage veneers or stain them badly. These include:

  • Popcorn (accidentally biting into a hard kernel)
  • Peanut brittle
  • Ice (no chewing on ice)
  • Chewing gum (talk to your dentist about this)
  • Red wine
  • Berries (brush and rinse thoroughly afterwards)
  • Fried chicken (avoid extra-crispy versions)

See Your Dentist Regularly

Now that you have veneers, it’s even more important to keep up with your dentist appointments on a regular basis. Your dentist in Portland may recommend a visit once every six months, or more frequently. Whatever your dentist recommends, make sure you keep those appointments. This is when your dentist will be able to check on the condition of your natural teeth and veneers to help ensure they last as long as possible.

Use common sense when it comes to caring for your veneers in Portland, OR, but also defer to your dentist’s recommendations. Dental veneers can remain looking brand new as long as you treat them well.

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Do Veneers Get Stained and Can They Be Whitened?

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In Portland, OR dental veneers are more common than you might think. Because dental veneers look so natural, many of your closest friends and co-workers may have dental veneers without you even knowing. One of the reasons is that dental veneers can be tinted to look like natural teeth. But do veneers always keep that same appearance? Do veneers get stained and—more importantly—can they be whitened?

Dental Veneers Can Get Stained

Dental veneers are made of various materials; porcelain is the most common. If you’ve ever see tea stains in a porcelain teacup, then you know that porcelain is porous and absorbent. Your dental veneers are the same. They can and do get stained. Just like your natural teeth, dental veneers in Portland, OR can get stained from certain foods and beverages like blueberries, raspberries, tea and coffee. The nicotine in smoking products can also stain dental veneers over time. Proper brushing can help prevent and remove stains, but sometimes professional help is needed for whitening.

Can Dental Veneers be Whitened?

Dental veneers do not respond the same to certain whitening products like natural teeth do. You shouldn’t try over-the-counter whitening products for your veneers, because the results can be unexpected and not what you want. Instead, contact your Portland, OR dentist for professional whitening for your dental veneers. Your Portland dentist will know exactly how to best achieve the look that you want for your dental veneers. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment to get your dental veneers whitened as often as necessary. As long as it’s done in your dentist’s office, there’s no harm in multiple treatments over time.

You invested time and resources into getting the ideal dental veneers in Portland, OR. Keep them looking white and bright by booking your appointment for professional whitening.