What should you know before getting veneers
One way cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile is porcelain veneers. Your smile is a huge part of making good first impressions, so it’s worth the investment. Maybe you have thought about talking to a professional at the Woodlands Dental Group about your smile’s appearance. If you have teeth that are cracked, chipped, or stained, this may be a suitable treatment option for you. Here are some of the things you should know about veneers before deciding to get them.
How do porcelain veneers work?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made thin ceramic shells. They are attached to the fronts of the teeth and can last for decades with proper care. The porcelain material is tinted so it matches the shade and whiteness of that will look best with your skin tone and complexion. Due to recent advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry, veneers possess the same translucent qualities as your real teeth. This means your smile looks even more natural. Porcelain veneers are a good choice for those who need more correction that whitening offers. Good candidates for veneers include people who have teeth with excessive stains, wear and tear from aging, short or mismatched teeth, or teeth that are chipped or cracked.
What should you expect?
It will require two or three trips to the Woodlands dentist to get veneers. The first step is a free consultation with the dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If they believe you are, they will discuss the treatment plan for moving ahead. If you are in need of dental implants, fillings, or repairs to your teeth, these will be addressed first.
Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by removing a small amount of enamel from the front of the teeth. They will make an impression that will be used to make custom veneers for your teeth. These are custom fit specifically for your teeth. Dr. Dernick, DDS specializes in veneers and the Woodlands Dental Group is one of the only practices that has its own in-office lab for creating porcelain veneers. Once the final veneers are completed, you will come in to have them applied.
Do porcelain veneers require any special care?
After the procedure, you may experience a little soreness in your mouth and gums. Your teeth may be a bit sensitive too. This discomfort is normal, but it won’t last long. Once our teeth are better, treat veneers like you do regular teeth. Continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Don’t chew on things that might cause a tooth to chip. The better care you take of your teeth, the longer the veneers are going to last. They should last up to 20 years with good care. After that, due to regular wear and tear, you may need a new set. However, if one does become damaged, it can be replaced.
Are veneers for everyone?
When it comes to cosmetic dental treatment, porcelain veneers are the least invasive procedure. But there are a few factors that might keep you from being a good candidate such as:
- Habitual teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- A tooth with significant structural damage
- Underbite or crossbite
- Active or recurrent gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene or lots of cavities
- Severe tooth crowding
Talk to Dr. Dernick at the Woodlands dental group to learn if porcelain veneers are the right choice for improving your smile.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
If you would like to know if porcelain veneers are the right option for your teeth, contact the Woodlands dental group for a complimentary consultation. Or, fill out this form to request an appointment for your complimentary consultation.
