If your teeth are weak, cavity-prone, or both, you have a number of options to strengthen them and give yourself a bright, healthy smile. One of the more overlooked options is dental veneers, which are wafer-thin porcelain shells that the dentist bonds to the fronts of your teeth.

At Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, Dr. Ellis and her team offer custom-made veneers as a lasting solution to improve the function and appearance of your teeth, including strengthening weak teeth.

More about veneers

Veneers, also called dental porcelain laminates, go on the fronts of the teeth you see when you smile. They can change a tooth’s size, shape, length, or color, as well as seal cracks and cover stains.

They’re an affordable alternative to dental crowns — which cover the entire tooth — and they require removing a minimal amount of enamel before placing. Furthermore, veneers resist both acid and decay, so they can contribute to your overall oral hygiene while also giving your smile a boost. 

Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or resin, but Dr. Ellis uses porcelain because:

  • It’s more stain-resistant than resin
  • It’s stronger than resin
  • It mimics your natural teeth in color and light-reflecting properties

Dental veneers are ideal for patients seeking a long-term solution to both cosmetic and oral health concerns. They can be placed fairly quickly, and most last 7-15 years, after which you can have a new veneer put on.

How veneers strengthen weak teeth

While veneers offer a quick and natural-looking restoration option, they can also strengthen weak teeth.

Prevent tooth damage

Veneers are permanently bonded to your tooth’s surface, covering up chips and cracks. That means they can prevent decay-causing bacteria and food debris from using those cracks to access the sensitive inner pulp. They also help shore up areas of weak enamel, making the tooth more bacteria- and decay-resistant.

Fill in gaps and spaces

Gaps in teeth can attract plaque and debris, which can allow bacteria to have a feeding frenzy. This, in turn, can result in a weakened tooth structure. Gaps can also lead to bite misalignments and structural stress, which can lead to uneven tooth wear, tooth fractures, and tooth loss. Veneers can effectively bridge the gaps, which can allow for an even bite and help keep teeth strong.

Improve shape

If you have front teeth of different sizes, this can cause uneven wear and bite misalignments. Veneers can be shaped to even out the length of your teeth. By making them uniform, this can allow your teeth to align correctly.

Once placed, veneers don’t require any special handling. You take care of the teeth with veneers just like you would your other teeth. You should brush and floss every day, and you should visit Dr. Ellis twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. If you do these things, your veneers should stay strong and look great for years.

If you have weak teeth and are looking for a restoration option to strengthen them, dental veneers might be right for you. To learn more, and to find out if you’re a good candidate, call (925) 272-2698, or book an appointment online with Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. today.