If you’re not confident with your smile in McAllen due to issues like stained teeth, gaps in your smile, and other such cosmetic problems, veneers at North Park Dental from Dr. Ricardo Munoz may be right for you. With a set of veneers, you can completely restore your smile in just 2 short appointments in 2-3 weeks. Learn more below, or contact us now for an appointment.
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, and they are commonly used to correct a wide variety of dental issues including gaps between the teeth, heavily stained teeth, misshapen and uneven teeth, chipped teeth, slightly crooked or crowded teeth, and much more.
Veneers consist of a thin shell of ceramic material, which is designed to fit over your natural enamel and cover up the front surface of your teeth. Since veneers completely replace the front surfaces of your teeth, they can treat a wide variety of cosmetic problems.
The process begins with a cosmetic consultation at North Park Dental. Dr. Ricardo Munoz will examine your mouth and determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for veneers. If you’re approved, he will schedule your first veneer treatment.
At this appointment, your teeth will be prepared for veneers. Dr. Munoz will remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth, then take impressions and images of your teeth. This information will be sent to a lab where your veneers will be made. This will take a few weeks, so you’ll get a set of temporary resin veneers, and you’ll be sent home.
Once your veneers arrive at our office, you’ll come in for your second appointment. Dr. Munoz will check the veneers to make sure they fit perfectly. If everything looks good, he will bond each one into place permanently, restoring your smile.
No. Veneers require a layer of enamel about 0.5mm in thickness to be removed from each tooth that is receiving a veneer. This is done to make sure the veneers fit properly without adding bulk to your teeth.
However, this enamel cannot be replaced. That means that, if you were ever to remove your veneers, your teeth would be weaker and vulnerable to damage and decay. If you get veneers, you must commit to replacing veneers that break or wear out, and you’ll need to have veneers for the rest of your life.
If you have cosmetic problems with your smile but your mouth is healthy and free of major dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, you are likely a good candidate for veneers. To get more information and find out if veneers are right for you, contact North Park Dental for a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Ricardo Munoz.
It’s typical for porcelain veneers to last somewhere between 10-15 years for most patients. However, it’s entirely possible to keep them for more than 20 years if you have a healthy lifestyle and maintain good at-home oral hygiene. This makes them, by far, the most long-lasting method of cosmetic dentistry at North Park Dental.
It’s important to remember that veneers are a permanent and irreversible treatment, so if one of your veneers does chip, crack, or become dislodged, you need to get it replaced by Dr. Munoz. If you don’t, the underlying tooth structure may be more susceptible to decay, and it may also feel sore, tender, and sensitive.
The most important thing to do is to continue to maintain good at-home oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss your teeth once a day to remove food and bacteria from between your teeth, and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Rinsing with mouthwash can also help keep your teeth healthy.
Proper oral hygiene is important because it prevents cavities, which can cause premature veneer failure. It also protects your teeth from stains. While your veneers will never be stained, the area between your natural tooth and veneers can be stained, as can any teeth that don’t have veneers.
In addition to this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help keep your veneers in good shape. Quit smoking, reduce your intake of alcohol and sugary beverages, and eat a diet high in healthy dairy, whole grains, lean meats, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
Finally, there are also a few habits you may want to correct. You should avoid chewing hard foods like popcorn kernels, ice, or almonds with your front veneers. Do not chew non-food objects like fingernails, pencils, or pens, and avoid using your teeth to do things like tear tape or open up packages.
Veneers can fix a wide range of cosmetic dental issues. They are commonly used for the following purposes, among others:
Covering misshapen and uneven teeth – Veneers can cover up and replace an uneven or misshapen tooth with a natural, beautiful porcelain shell. This improves its size, shape, and overall appearance, leading to a better smile.
Filling gaps between teeth – If you have large gaps between several of your teeth, veneers can be used to enlarge these teeth and reduce the size and prominence of these gaps.
Restoring severely stained and discolored teeth – Veneers are ideal for severe tooth stains that can’t be treated with teeth whitening. With a veneer, the unsightly tooth can be completely covered and restored.
Repairing minor chips and tooth damage – Veneers are commonly used to treat minor chips and damage to teeth that only affects the outer layers of enamel. While crowns may be a better option for severely damaged teeth, veneers are ideal for smaller chips.
Curious to learn more? Contact North Park Dental now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Munoz and see if veneers in McAllen are right for you.
"I love being able to make a positive impact on my patients’ mood and self image."
– Dr. Muñoz