Porcelain Veneers – Important Questions Answered
Do you have gaps, misaligned or stained teeth that you cannot confidently smile in front of people? Have you been looking at Instagram pictures or magazine photos of celebrities and cannot help but envy their pearly whites? Whether you are truent when it comes to dental appointments, your teeth may not have the appealing looks of those celebrities you see on screen. So what is the secret? Keep on reading if you’d like to know more about those celebrity-like teeth with veneers!
Enter the world of porcelain veneers! Over the years, porcelain veneers have increasingly become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatment options. They are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth to hide imperfections and improve their appearance. Whether you are looking to update your smile or simply want to learn about this procedure, this article will answer most of the questions you may have including what to expect during the procedure and the post-care process.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
These are small shells of porcelain that are custom-designed to fit over the front surface of teeth. While most people get them for cosmetic purposes, they can also be used for restorative fashion as well. Porcelain veneers are less invasive that putting a crown that covers the whole tooth. And since they adhere to an individual’s natural tooth, they are an excellent option to repair teeth compared to replacing them with a denture or an implant.
Who is the Right Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
While most people looking to improve their smiles are good candidates, not everyone may experience great results with porcelain veneers. These types of veneers are meant to change the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth and are therefore ideal for those with a good bone structure and healthy gums.
Porcelain veneers help address an array of dental issues including staining, chipping, crowding, spacing issues, bite issues, uneven or narrow smile, etc. It is also important to note that getting veneers is a custom process and so, you need to work with a top-notch cosmetic dentist.
When are Veneers not Recommended?
There are times when veneers may not be an instantly great solution, and you may need to undergo some other dental work first.
One of these situations is when your teeth are extremely worn down due to grinding. If your teeth are too worn down, it becomes hard for the veneer to attach to the tooth’s surface.
Also, if you have large gaps in your teeth, it may be best to first undergo an orthodontic procedure. This is where the dentist moves the teeth to reduce the space between them. Bear in mind that the veneer needs to adhere to the teeth and if installed where there’s a large gap, the gap will still be visible.
Another situation is when the jaw is so small that the teeth are misaligned, or the teeth are too crowded. Again you will require an orthodontic procedure to provide room for proper veneer installation.
What is the Process of Getting Veneers?
Once your dentist has determined you are a good fit for porcelain veneers, the process normally takes two visits. If you require any other dental work performed, you’ll want to deal with that first. This includes procedures like cavity fillings or implants.
During the initial visit, the dentist will remove the thin layer of enamel from the affected tooth. They will then perform impressions in order to make a mold from which your custom-made veneer will be made. Next, they will fit a temporary restoration to see how it looks and feel. Ensure you specify the color and shape before getting the permanent one.
During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary fit, apply bonding glue and place the permanent veneer. In some cases, local anesthetic may be required for the procedure.
The Recovery and Post Porcelain Veneer Care
Most patients are usually concerned about the recovery process, but as long as you use a professional, it should be a breeze.
At first, you may experience slight soreness and sensitivity to temperature, but that is not usually the case. In most procedures, you will hardly notice anything different apart from your new look.
When it comes to caring, dental veneers do not call for anything more special than your natural teeth. You should practice good dental hygiene to keep your teeth and gums clean. Also, do not skip dental visits and cleanings in order to maintain your appearance. The more you observe oral hygiene, the longer the veneers will last.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
It is important to note that getting porcelain veneers is a permanent fix. With good oral care, brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits, you can expect them to last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. After a while, you are bound to forget that they are there.
