Are you self-conscious about your smile due to discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth? You’re not alone. According to a study, 34% of adults cited tooth alignment, and 33% cited tooth color as a primary reason for dissatisfaction with their smile. Fortunately, there are cosmetic dental procedures to improve smiles and boost confidence, including porcelain veneers.
Achieve a perfect white smile with porcelain veneers. They’re beautiful and durable, making your smile stand out. Porcelain veneers have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, durability, and natural-looking results. With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile you’ve always wanted and boost your confidence in social and professional situations.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about porcelain veneers, from their benefits to the process of getting them.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. These shells are incredibly thin and designed to match the natural appearance of your teeth, giving you a flawless smile that looks and feels natural.
They are often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or slightly crooked. Porcelain veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth or lengthen short teeth.
Porcelain veneers correct crooked teeth and are highly durable, stain-resistant, and can mimic the natural translucency of teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.
Who Can Get Porcelain Veneers?
Anyone looking to improve the appearance of their smile can get porcelain veneers, regardless of their age. In particular, those with crooked teeth may find porcelain veneers a practical solution, as they can be used to create the appearance of straighter teeth without the need for orthodontic treatment.
Veneers can also be used to correct other dental imperfections, such as the following:
- Chipped tooth
- Stained tooth
- Outdated restorations and fillings
- Uneven or narrow smile
- Spacing problems
- Crowded teeth
- Bite issues
- Stained tooth from antibiotics or fluorosis
Do Porcelain Veneers Work All the Time?
While porcelain veneers can correct many dental imperfections, there are some cases where they may not be the best solution. For example, if you have severely crooked teeth or an overbite, you may need orthodontic treatment before considering veneers.
If you have gum disease or other dental health issues, your dentist may recommend treatment before proceeding with veneers.
Benefits of Veneers
- Durable – They are made of high-quality materials that are strong and resistant to wear and tear, making them a long-lasting solution for improving the appearance of your teeth.
- Stain-Resistant – They won’t discolor over time like natural teeth. This means you can enjoy a bright, white smile for many years with proper care and maintenance.
- Mimics the natural translucency of teeth – This gives them a more natural appearance than other cosmetic dentistry options, such as dental bonding or metal braces.
What’s the Process of Applying Veneers?
The porcelain veneer procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist:
- The first visit involves evaluating your mouth and determining if you are a good candidate for veneers.
- If any other dental work is needed, it is recommended to complete it before the veneer process to ensure the best results.
- During the first visit, a thin layer of enamel is removed from your teeth, and impressions are taken to create a mold for your permanent veneer.
- A temporary restoration is then placed on your teeth, allowing you to consider the shape and color of your veneer before the permanent one is placed.
- The second visit involves removing the temporary restoration and bonding the permanent veneer onto your teeth with special glue.
- Local anesthetic is commonly used during both visits.
How Do I Take Care and Maintain My Porcelain Veneers?
Once your porcelain veneers are in place, caring for them is crucial to ensure their longevity. This includes practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. It’s also important to avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, as this can damage the veneers.
Your dentist may also suggest using a night guard to protect your veneers if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years. However, their lifespan may vary depending on your oral hygiene habits, the foods and beverages you consume, and your overall dental health.
Talk to your dentist about how to care for your veneers and schedule routine checkups to ensure they are in good condition. Sooner or later, they might even feel like your own natural teeth.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your dental health and appearance, as they can last up to 20 years. While they may be costly, with an average price of around $1,500 per tooth (ranging from $925 to $2,500 per tooth depending on location and individual needs), you don’t necessarily need to have a complete set of veneers done. Depending on your needs and budget, you can treat just a few teeth.
Unfortunately, porcelain veneers are typically considered cosmetic treatment by dental insurance companies and are not usually covered or only partially covered by insurance. Despite this, many people find that the investment in porcelain veneers is worth it for the long-lasting and natural-looking results they provide.
Get Quality Porcelain Veneers on Crooked Teeth and Flash Your Most Beautiful Smile Ever
Porcelain veneers are an effective solution for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile and boost their self-confidence. Whether you have crooked teeth, discoloration, or other dental imperfections, veneers can create a natural-looking smile that you can be proud of.
However, there may be better solutions than veneers, so you need to consult your dentist to determine if they are a good option for you. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment in your dental health and overall well-being.
Rob W. Gore, DDS offers a solution to uneven or imperfect teeth with custom-made porcelain veneers. These can give you a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. Boost your confidence with your fresh set of veneers! Contact us today for a free consultation.