Do you have a single, stained tooth? Are your slightly crooked teeth affecting the look of your smile? Porcelain veneers may be the right cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. Veneers are porcelain ceramic shells we bond to the front of damaged teeth.
With dental veneers, patients can address tooth stains, chips and cracks in the tooth enamel, gaps between teeth, and slight tooth misalignment. The professional dental team at Brookwood Dental Associates provides porcelain veneers to patients in Lansdale, PA. Our dentists collaborate with patients to discover the right cosmetic treatments to meet their oral health needs and aesthetic goals.
Porcelain Veneers in Lansdale, PA
Porcelain veneers are a popular and powerful option in cosmetic dentistry. They’re thin shells made of strong ceramic material that are custom-made to fit perfectly over the front of your teeth. Veneers can improve how your teeth look and give you a brighter and more even smile.
Veneers can cover:
- Stained Teeth: One of the most common reasons people get veneers is to cover deep stains or discoloration. While professional teeth whitening can help with surface stains, it may not work for stains caused by injury or certain medications. In those cases, veneers can be color-matched to any shade of white you want, helping you get the bright smile you want.
- Tooth Damage: Over time, our teeth can get worn down, chipped, or broken. Every day use, accidents, and aging all play a part. Veneers can cover up these small imperfections. If your teeth are slightly crooked or uneven but don’t cause problems with your bite, veneers can make them look straight without braces.
- Tooth Gaps: Veneers are also a great solution for teeth that are misshapen or have gaps between them. We provide custom veneers designed to close small gaps for a full smile. Veneers can improve the overall shape of your teeth while still looking completely natural.
The Process of Getting Dental Veneers
Before any procedure, we’ll have a cosmetic consultation. We’ll talk to you about your cosmetic goals and budget, then preform a thorough exam. This helps us ensure that porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic solution for your unique needs. Veneers are a permanent restoration, so those teeth will always need a restoration once you have them.
Once you’re ready to get porcelain veneers, the first appointment involves preparing the teeth for them. We take impressions of the prepared teeth, then send them to the lab to custom-make your restoration. We’ll place temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready.
When we have the final version, you’ll come back to our office. We’ll fit the porcelain veneers to the prepared teeth and make small adjustments as needed. When you’re satisfied, we cement the veneers to your teeth. You’ll leave our office with a brand new smile you can immediately show off!
How to Take Care of Your Porcelain Veneers
Taking good care of your new veneers is the best way to make sure they stay bright and strong for many years. The good news is that your daily routine doesn’t need to change much.
Your Daily Routine: Keep It Simple & Gentle
Just brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, like you normally would. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste. This helps avoid any tiny scratches on the glossy surface of your veneers. When you come in to see us every six months for a cleaning, we’ll give them a professional polish and check to make sure everything looks perfect.
The #1 Rule: Protect Them from Pressure
Veneers are strong, but they aren’t superheroes. The biggest threat is constant, heavy pressure.
If you grind your teeth at night, you absolutely need to wear a custom night guard while you sleep. Grinding can crack veneers or even make them come loose.
If you play sports, a protective mouthguard is a must to shield your smile from any impact.
Break These Habits to Avoid Chips
Your teeth are for eating food, not for use as tools! To prevent chips or cracks, try to avoid:
- Biting your nails
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Crunching on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels
- Using your teeth to open packages or tear tags
- Stay Alert & Keep Your Appointments
You’ll get used to how your veneers look and feel. If anything changes, give us a call right away. Also, don’t skip your regular checkups. Sometimes, we can spot a small issue you haven’t noticed yet and fix it easily before it becomes a big problem. We’re here to help keep your smile looking its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about this cosmetic treatment? Learn more with answers to these common questions about porcelain veneers.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers can last patients up to 30 years, while Lumineers can last 20 years. A good oral hygiene routine and routine dental care contribute to the longevity and health of dental veneers.
Am I a candidate for dental veneers?
Schedule a dental consultation with our team, and they will see if you’re a good candidate for veneers. Our team will recommend veneers and other cosmetic treatments for patients who have good oral health.
However, we can also address any general dental problems before we place veneers. Our dentists will also consider your budget, current concerns, and cosmetic goals for treatment before they make any recommendations.
What are the benefits of veneers?
Because veneers are made of a thin porcelain ceramic material, they look and feel natural. They are also strong and long-lasting because of their material. Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are thin and don’t look or feel bulky.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, we can’t whiten porcelain veneers. The porcelain is very stain-resistant, but even this material can stain over time. If you have discolored veneers, we have to remove them and craft new ones in the shade that you want.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers can’t get cavities because they aren’t made of natural tooth material. But the teeth underneath the veneers are still your real teeth, and can still get cavities.
If you don’t take care of your teeth, decay can form under or around the veneer. This can weaken the tooth and may cause the veneer to come loose or fall off.
Can my veneers fall off?
Veneers shouldn’t fall off at all. But dental trauma, like a hit or biting down on something hard, can damage your veneers. They can also fall off if you have tooth decay in the tooth under them or when aging changes your teeth.
How long does it take to get veneers?
Getting veneers usually takes about 2 to 3 visits to the dentist over a few weeks. During the first visit, our dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and prepare your teeth by removing a tiny amount of enamel. He’ll also take impressions of your teeth to create custom veneers.
At your second visit, our dentist will fit and bond the veneers to your teeth. In some cases, you may need a follow-up appointment to make adjustments. This quick process can give you a beautiful new smile in a short time.
Can veneers treat crooked teeth?
Yes, veneers can help make crooked teeth look straight. If you have one slightly crooked tooth, our dentist can shape and place a veneer to create the look of a straighter smile.
But veneers don’t move your teeth, so they’re best for very mild cases. If your teeth are very crooked or misaligned, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are a better option. Our dentist can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Schedule a Visit for Veneers Today
Create a brighter and straighter smile with porcelain veneers or Lumineers. Call Brookwood Dental Associates today at 267-651-7247. You may also request an appointment online. Let us know if you have questions; we’re here to help!