We all want our teeth and smiles to be as beautiful as possible and to improve our confidence and appearance. A bright and healthy smile can help you feel more confident in your interactions with others. However, your teeth’s imperfections — due to natural reasons or poor oral hygiene — can get in the way.
Cosmetic dentistry can provide solutions to these imperfections. One of these is porcelain veneers. Here are some things you need to know before getting veneers.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells covering the front teeth and hiding imperfections like gaps, cracks, discoloration, and more. They are more resistant to staining and can replicate the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. While they can be made with resin composite materials, veneers made of porcelain are more popular.
How long do porcelain veneers last? Most porcelain veneers last a long time. They can last for at least ten years, up to twenty years, and longer with proper maintenance.
Who Needs Dental Veneers?
Veneers are an excellent option for anyone wishing to improve the look of their smile. These cosmetic dental restorations can help hide broken or chipped teeth, teeth gaps, small or misshapen teeth, and difficult-to-remove teeth stains.
However, veneers are only viable for those free from cavities and gum disease. You must address these oral health issues first before considering cosmetic treatments like veneers.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Now that you know what porcelain veneers are and how they work, here are some of their benefits:
1. Porcelain veneers can whiten and brighten your smile.
Years of smoking and consuming staining foods and drinks can discolor your teeth over time. Some teeth may turn yellow, while others may turn brown. Teeth before veneers in this condition are not good to look at, and you probably don’t want anyone else to see them.
You can have your stained enamel whitened, but it may easily get stains after a few years or months. Veneers offer a quick solution; they are stain-resistant. You don’t need to worry about them staining or needing bleach or whitening.
2. Porcelain veneers conceal cosmetic issues in your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for concealing damaged teeth. Dentists attach them to the front of your teeth, hiding any imperfection and giving you the confidence to smile and communicate with others without fear or judgment.
However, veneers cannot correct or cure conditions like gum disease or decay. Veneers can only camouflage these conditions; you must have these conditions treated by your dentist.
3. Porcelain veneers only require a little maintenance.
Maintaining your veneers is important. Fortunately, they are not difficult to maintain. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using fluoride-containing mouthwash before bed each night is enough. This simple habit will help ensure your veneers will last.
4. Porcelain veneers are less invasive than other types of dental restorations.
Dental veneers only need a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your teeth, unlike dental crowns and other restorations that need more. This difference is crucial; you permanently lose enamel and can’t grow it back. Not having to remove much enamel ensures your teeth still have enough protection. You may also need little to no anesthetic when your dentist attaches them.
Dental Veneer Placement: What To Expect
To help ease some of your worries, here are some of the things you can expect:
Before Placement
Your dentists will examine your gums and teeth during your first appointment to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. If you are, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. Then, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental technician who will use them to create custom veneers. These impressions won’t be required if you choose composite veneers.
Your dentist may place temporary veneers if necessary since it may take the dental lab several weeks to complete your custom veneers. But once they’re done, they will ship your veneers back to your dentist for placement.
During Placement
Your dentist will inspect your veneers’ fit, shape, and color once they have them. Then, they will permanently bond them in place with dental cement, check your bite, and make any adjustments if necessary.
Let your dentist know if you want to change anything about your veneers. They can work closely with you and the laboratory to ensure that you are satisfied with the results.
You also won’t need any downtime once your veneers are placed. You can resume your normal activities within 24 hours and eat or drink immediately once the anesthesia wears off.
Dental Veneers: Aftercare
A dentist might want to inspect your veneers after placing them to see if they are comfortable and in good condition. Don’t hesitate to let your dentist know about any concerns about your veneers.
You don’t need to avoid certain foods and beverages after your appointment. However, the items you consume will eventually stain your veneers over time. Make your veneers last longer by avoiding or reducing your consumption of tea, red wine, and coffee.
Your dentist may also recommend avoiding biting non-food objects and chewing hard foods and nails. Use a mouthguard, stop teeth grinding, and don’t open items with your teeth.
You may see rough spots on your veneers; these should disappear over time. However, your dentist can smooth them out if they don’t improve. These rough spots are often caused by excess bonding material from your veneers.
Porcelain Veneers: Cost
The American Dental Association estimates that veneers cost $925 to $2000 per tooth. Their cost may also vary depending on where you live, the cosmetic dentist you choose, the number of teeth you want to be treated, and how long it takes to place them. Also, most dental insurance policies don’t cover veneers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Key Takeaway
Porcelain veneers are a quick and less invasive option to improve your smile’s appearance. They are thin shells that dentists attach to the front of your teeth’s surfaces to conceal aesthetic issues like discoloration, size differences, gaps, and more. While they improve your smile’s appearance, dentists recommend treating dental issues before pursuing cosmetic procedures.
Improve your smile today with Sunrise Dentistry.
Achieve the perfect teeth shape you want and improve your smile today with the help of our Pagosa Springs dentist. They provide the best cosmetic dentistry services to help you walk out more confidently. Call us today for any inquiries; we’re here to help.
