Looking for a dazzling smile? Porcelain veneers might be the solution.
There are other types of veneer material – composite veneers, composite resin veneers, temporary veneers, removable veneers
But the traditional porcelain veneers are the most popular choice for those who want a beautiful bright smile. A porcelain veneer can completely cover dental imperfections like chipped or misshapen teeth. They can completely transform your smile and give you a new sense of self-confidence.
And the entire process can usually be done in a day.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells. Custom-made veneers cover the surface of your teeth giving them a new appearance. And they’ve become very popular since their introduction.
HCD offers beautiful, durable, natural-looking porcelain veneers — without major alterations to your teeth. And many patients can get veneers in just one visit.
But before getting porcelain veneers, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Here’s a list of 10 things you should know before getting your veneers.
If you’d like to learn how porcelain veneers can give you a flawless smile. Contact Health Centered Dentistry today for a free consultation.
10 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
1. Veneers Are for Everyone…Almost
Porcelain veneers can do amazing things for your smile. They’re one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options.
But unfortunately, they aren’t suitable for everyone.
In some cases, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions may prevent you from getting veneers.
Some things, such as large cracks or major structural issues, can (and should) be fixed with crowns rather than veneers.
If you have any dental concerns that could prevent you from getting veneers, make an appointment with your dentist. They will let you if there are any concerns, and address any issues before you get veneers.
2. Veneers Fix Many Cosmetic Issues
Because veneers are overlays bonded to your existing teeth, they can create dramatic cosmetic changes.
Veneers completely mask severe stains and discoloration that can’t be treated with traditional whitening treatments.
Minor and moderate tooth chips and cracks are also beautifully concealed.
Over time, teeth can become worn down due to age, grinding, or acidic foods.
Veneers can restore the shape and size of teeth worn down by age, grinding, or acidic foods.
Veneers create a uniform appearance for teeth that are misshapen, underdeveloped, or just different sizes.
And, with some strategic placement, veneers can effectively close moderate gaps and create the illusion of perfectly spaced teeth.
In short, veneers can create a beautiful, balanced, youthful smile in very little time.
3. Veneers Aren’t Permanent
Porcelain veneers are known for their strength and resilience. They’re very durable and usually last 10-15 years with proper oral hygiene. in some cases, they can last even longer.
But over time, the bonding agent can weaken, veneers can show wear from tooth grinding, or they may develop stains and discoloration.
When that happens your dentist can remove the veneers, and replace them with new ones. The process is almost the same as receiving veneers for the first time.
4. Veneers Are an Irreversible Procedure
When your dentist places your new veneers, they’ll remove a small amount of natural tooth enamel from the underlying teeth. It’s a tiny amount, around half a millimeter. But it creates space for the veneer and creates a better surface for stronger bonding.
The enamel removal, while necessary, is irreversible.
5. You Might Experience More Sensitivity at First
Since veneers are placed over your existing teeth, you might expect to have less sensitivity. But when your veneers are placed, you might experience more sensitivity initially, especially to hot and cold temperatures.
This is due to a few different things in the veneer placement process.
The enamel removal process can make teeth more sensitive for a few days.
The veneer bonding agent may cause minor gum irritation which also increases sensitivity.
The increased sensitivity is temporary and should subside in a few days.
During that time, you can use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth to soothe any sensitivity. It’s also a good idea to avoid extremely hot or extremely cold beverages as you adjust and stick with lukewarm or room-temperature beverages for a few days. Sticking to softer foods for those first few days can also help.
6. Carefully Consider Color Choice
When choosing veneers, many people want the most brilliant, bright, clean white porcelain available.
But the wrong color can make your smile look unnatural and visually unappealing.
Most veneers look best when they look like natural teeth. A softer, natural white tone works best for most people. Your dentist can help you find the color that flatters your underlying skin tones while still looking brighter and creating a smile you’re proud of.
Going with a color that looks unnatural for you makes for an obvious mismatch, and less confidence in your new smile.
7. Veneers Are Strong but They Can Chip or Crack
Porcelain veneers are renowned for their durability. But certain things can lead to chipping and cracking.
To reduce the chances of chipping or cracking your veneers you should:
- Limit biting down on hard or crunchy foods, like nuts or hard candy. And avoid using your teeth for things they’re not meant for.
- Watch for teeth grinding at night. If you’re prone to grinding when you sleep, be sure to wear a night guard.
Wear can also come from uneven pressure distribution, such as habitual chewing on one side of your mouth. Uneven pressure can also come from damage to the underlying teeth. Your dentist will compensate for these when applying your veneers. If you start to notice uneven wear, your dentist may need to make adjustments.
8. Veneers Aren’t Maintenance Free
Veneer care is almost identical to the care you’d use for your natural teeth. And it’s important to maintain the health of underlying teeth and gums.
Brush twice a day, and floss to remove plaque buildup and food particles. This will keep your veneers looking their best, reduce the chances of decay to the underlying teeth, and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Continue getting regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Try to limit overly sugary or acidic foods as they can erode veneers over time. And be mindful of stain-causing beverages. Porcelain is stain-resistant, but coffee, tea, and red wine can stain veneers over time. These beverages don’t need to be avoided, but it’s best to drink them in moderation. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming beverages like these can help limit staining.
9. Know the Cost Before You Start
Getting porcelain veneers is a cosmetic procedure typically not covered by dental insurance.
Several factors affect what your veneers will cost. It depends on the number of veneers you need (you may not need veneers for all teeth), the cosmetic concerns you want to address, your location, and the fees for your particular cosmetic dentist.
10. Know the Alternatives to Veneers
Veneers are a safe and very effective way to brighten up your smile. But, depending on your oral health and goals, there are other cosmetic dentistry procedures you might consider.
If your teeth are in good shape, free from chips or cracks, and reasonably well aligned, you might consider professional tooth whitening. Whitening treatments offered by your dentists are more effective than at-home whitening products and deliver far better results.
You could also consider dental contouring, where a small amount of enamel is removed to reshape chipped or uneven teeth.
You might consider dental bonding if you have minor cracks or chips, minor discoloration, or small gaps. With bonding, a small amount of tooth-colored resin is applied directly to the tooth, and sculpted to reshape teeth, fill in gaps, and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. The process is less expensive than veneers, but less durable and more prone to staining.
If the alignment of your teeth is a concern, consider using clear aligners SureSmile or Invisalign. These move your teeth into a more aesthetic position without visible braces.
Dental crowns are a good option for severely discolored, cracked, worn down, or misshapen teeth. They provide more strength and durability than veneers, and they’re often a better choice for teeth in need of extensive correction.
Health Centered Dentistry – Making Your Dream Smile a Reality
Porcelain dental veneers are a popular and very effective way to remake your smile.
And the experts at Health Centered Dentistry are here to help you find your dream smile.
We offer several options for dental veneers here at HCD. From porcelain to composite veneers, we have a few for you to choose from! Our process takes little to no prep time, and we make as few alterations to your tooth as possible.
The traditional process for veneers can take three or four visits for installation. With our process, those with good oral health can have veneers installed in just one visit.
If you have any questions or concerns about the veneer process, contact us. We’re here to help you on your way to a beautiful smile.
Find your perfect smile. Contact Health Centered Dentistry today.
