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 bonded to the front of the 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.
Comparing Treatments: Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers
We always ensure that our patients have no outstanding oral health concerns before cosmetic treatment. Some patients may need periodontal or root canal treatment before their cosmetic procedure.
Dental veneers provide a minimally invasive procedure and are about 0.5 mm wide. We will prepare the teeth by etching a portion of the tooth enamel to create a smooth surface for the veneers. You must be committed to replacing your veneers after many years, as this alters the enamel. Porcelain veneers require two office appointments. We take scans of the teeth at the first appointment and then bond the veneers to the teeth at the second appointment.
Unlike veneers, lumineers do not require any tooth preparation. This means that they are easily reversible. You can receive lumineers in one office appointment. Lumineers are also much thinner at 0.3 mm wide. However, lumineers they be more costly because they are thinner and made of Cerinate porcelain.
The Uses of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry solutions. The lab customizes each one so that the veneer fits in perfectly with the rest of your smile. Usually, professional teeth whitening treats stained teeth. But deeper stains and discoloration from trauma don’t respond to the typical solutions. We can color-match a veneer to whatever shade of white you desire. It covers the front and sides of a tooth to cover the discoloration.
As we age, life takes its toll on our teeth. They wear down, chip, and break. Veneers can eliminate years from your smile by treating these chips and giving the appearance of a smooth, even smile. If you have crooked teeth that don’t negatively impact oral health, veneers can also treat these. Misshapen teeth can benefit from veneers.
Gaps in teeth also benefi from veneers. Because they’re all custom, they’re crafted to look natural and can subtly cover the gaps in your smile.
The Porcelain Veneers Process
Before any procedure, we’ll have a cosmetic consultation. We’ll talk to you about your cosmetic goals and budget. The dentist performs a thorough oral exam to assess your oral health. This helps us ensure that porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic solution for your unique needs. Veneers are a permanent restoration. Once you have porcelain veneers, those teeth will always need restoration.
Once you’re ready to get porcelain veneers, the first appointment involves preparing the teeth for veneers. We take impressions of the prepared teeth to be sent to the lab to custom-make your restoration. You may be given a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready.
You’ll come into our office when they’re ready for the permanent restoration. We fit the porcelain veneers to the prepared teeth, making any small adjustments necessary. When you’re satisfied, we cement the veneers to your teeth.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
Caring for your restoration properly ensures it lasts longer. Cleaning your veneers is as simple as performing your normal oral healthcare routine. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and visit the office bi-annually for a cleaning and checkup. Use non-abrasive materials like gentle toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrushes to ensure you don’t accidentally scratch the restoration.
If you grind your teeth, we don’t recommend veneers. Grinding puts a lot of pressure on them and makes veneers more likely to pop off or fracture. Though veneers are a durable material, they aren’t invincible. If you still get veneers, wear a nightguard when you’re sleeping to protect them from damage. You should also get a protective mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Certain habits can also damage the veneers. Biting your nails or chewing on pens puts you at a higher risk of chips and damage. Chewing ice and opening packages with your teeth also increase the likelihood. Try to avoid these habits as much as possible.
You know how your veneers normally fit and look. If you notice changes, call our office. Regular dental exams are also needed for problems that you may not notice. We can see other problems you weren’t aware of with our advanced dental training.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Do you have more questions about veneers? Learn more about this cosmetic treatment with answers to these frequently asked questions:
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 professional 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 determine if you are a good candidate for dental veneers. Our team will recommend veneers and other cosmetic treatments for patients who are in good oral health.
However, we can also address any general dental problems before we provide veneers. Our dentists will also consider your personal budget, current concerns, and cosmetic goals for treatment before making any recommendations.
What are the benefits of veneers?
There are a variety of advantages to treatment with porcelain veneers. Because veneers are made of a thin porcelain ceramic material, they look and feel natural. They are also durable and long-lasting because of their material. Porcelain veneers, as well as lumineers, are thin and do not look or feel bulky.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, we can’t whiten porcelain veneers with traditional whitening methods. The porcelain used 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 desire.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
The veneer isn’t susceptible to tooth decay because it isn’t natural tissue, but your natural teeth are still underneath the veneer. They can get cavities if you do not properly care for your oral health. That can compromise the veneer, too, because it needs a stable structure to attach to. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once daily, and visit the dentist every six months for checkups.
Can my veneers fall off?
Veneers shouldn’t fall off if applied properly, but there are always a few exceptions. Mouth trauma, like a hit or biting down on something hard, can compromise 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 for the veneers by removing a tiny amount of enamel. They will also take impressions of your teeth to create custom veneers.
At your second visit, the dentist will fit and bond the veneers to your teeth. In some cases, you may need a follow-up appointment to make adjustments. Overall, the process is quick and 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. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. If your teeth are slightly crooked, our dentist can shape and place the veneers to create the appearance of a straighter smile.
However, veneers don’t move your teeth, so they’re best for mild cases. If your teeth are very crooked or misaligned, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners might be a better option. Our dentist can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Create a brighter and straighter smile with porcelain veneers or lumineers. Call Brookwood Dental Associates today at 267-651-7247. You may also request a dental consultation with our dentists on our website. Let us know if you have questions; we can help