What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a popular restorative option when you want to brighten your smile. Dental veneers provide an incredible choice if you wish to cover up a chipped tooth or stop feeling self-conscious about stained teeth.

Before getting porcelain veneers, it’s crucial that you understand what they are and the appointment process. You can gather this information, and more, by visiting a Lakeway dentist and asking questions to help you understand the process.

You’ve probably heard about porcelain veneers, whether from a friend who has them or a commercial on television. Many people use them to contribute to a beautiful smile. Veneers are customized to your individual tooth shape, size, and desired shade of white.

These stunning restorations are fabricated from a thin piece of porcelain that gets applied over the natural tooth. Only a tiny amount of natural tooth structure must be removed. Once the veneer is in place, it covers cosmetic imperfections, like stains or chips.

Questions to ask your Lakeway dentist before getting porcelain veneers.

Many patients want veneers so they can have the smile of their dreams in a short amount of time. However, there may be treatment options better suited for your oral conditions. Before getting porcelain veneers, ask your dentist these questions to prepare yourself for a successful treatment.

1. What does the veneer procedure entail?

Getting dental veneers involves having a thin layer of the enamel removed. Your dentist does this to create room for the veneer material and placement. For this reason, it’s important to understand that getting veneers is a permanent treatment, and once you have veneers, you will always need them.

An impression of your teeth is made, so your dentist can send a mold of your teeth to the dental lab. Some dentists use a digital scanner to take the impression and design the veneer using computerized technology.

A color will be selected for the veneer, and you can help decide the best shade for your smile. The shade and impressions are sent to the lab, where they create the veneers. Some patients have a temporary shell placed while they wait for the permanent one.

When the permanent tooth is ready, the temporary one is removed, and the veneers are tried in to determine whether they fit. They are bonded onto the tooth and hardened with a special light to ensure they firmly adhere to the tooth.

2. What are the risks and benefits of veneers?

Like any dental procedure, there are risks and benefits associated with porcelain veneers.

Risks include the following:

• Veneers can chip, crack, fracture, and break
• It is an irreversible procedure that removes a thin layer of enamel
• Patients may experience tooth sensitivity

Veneers have a shorter lifespan than other restorative options, such as crowns and bridges.

Benefits of veneers include:

• Natural-looking white teeth
• Stain resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Restore minor cosmetic problems
• Replace damaged tooth enamel

Porcelain veneers can whiten teeth and provide instant results that won’t require a lengthy healing time.

3. How long will my veneers last?

Most porcelain veneers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. But this is determined by how you take care of your investment. You can extend the life of your veneers by establishing an excellent oral health routine and addressing any bruxism issues.

4. What is bruxism, and how does it affect veneers?

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition where patients clench or grind their teeth unconsciously, whether asleep, awake, or both. These habits can wear down your teeth, making them blunt and short.

Although porcelain veneers are made from durable materials, excessive pressure from clenching and grinding can cause them to crack, loosen, or fall off. Wearing a nightguard while you sleep may minimize the damage to your porcelain veneers.

5. Can I see before and after examples from previous patients?

If you want to see how veneers can transform a smile, ask your dentist to show you a few samples of veneers they’ve completed for other patients. Most dentists are willing to share patient success stories, so you can gain confidence in their abilities and see your potential outcomes.

Questions to ask yourself before getting porcelain veneers.

Besides asking, “should I get veneers?”, there are several other critical questions to ask yourself before committing to treatment.

• Do I notice if I’m clenching or grinding my teeth?
• Does this dentist have positive reviews from satisfied patients?
• Do I understand this is an investment in myself?
• Do I want to whiten my teeth before having my veneers placed?

Veneers can transform your dull smile, but you’ll want to ensure it is your best option.

Brighten your smile with porcelain veneers.

If you have a smile with minor imperfections, veneers can be a way to correct these issues and boost your confidence. Trust Tomasik Family Dental to facilitate your smile transformation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the answers you need about porcelain veneers.