Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that your dentist bonds to the surface of your teeth. Dental veneers cover the front surface of the tooth. Your dentist can shape, shade, and position the veneers to improve the look of your teeth and smile. Veneers can also restore lost tooth structure.
Because porcelain veneers are thin, they are one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available for patients. In addition, your cosmetic dentist can bond a porcelain veneer to a crooked tooth to make it appear straighter.
Porcelain Veneers Treatment
Before treatment, Dr. Karim Naguib will examine your teeth and review your goals and budget to determine if the veneers are right for you. The porcelain veneer procedure usually takes several office visits. Dr. Naguib will first prepare your teeth for the veneers by removing a small amount of tooth structure.
Preparing the teeth before treatment creates room for the veneers to fit comfortably. Dr. Naguib will take and send dental impressions of your teeth to a ceramist. This professional will craft the veneers in a dental lab. After they are complete, the dentist will adjust and permanently secure the porcelain veneers to the teeth.
Keep in mind that porcelain veneers are not a good choice for patients with tooth decay, gum disease, large dental fillings, or fractured or weakened teeth. In addition, this treatment will not work well with patients who do not have enough tooth enamel. After receiving porcelain veneers be sure to maintain a good brushing and flossing routine to prevent decay and other dental problems.
Depending on your need, dental veneers are also one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures a cosmetic dentist uses for a smile design.
Dental veneers that are a composite porcelain material offer multiple benefits to patients. Porcelain veneers:
- Are stain-resistant
- Do not require extensive shaping
- Look like natural teeth
- Can change tooth color and shape
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular methods of cosmetic dentistry. This is because they can take care of a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Veneers are strong and can last 10-15 years, as long as you take care of them properly.
Another benefit is that they can be more stain-resistant than your normal teeth. Unlike many teeth whitening treatments, veneers hold up better when exposed to foods and beverages like coffee that might stain. When you get your veneers, you can choose the shade that they are.
The veneers can be a brighter white than your normal teeth if you desire. They don’t require any extra maintenance, either. You just have to continue to brush and floss regularly, as well as keep up with your biannual dental care visits.
Lastly, they don’t require as much shaping as dental crowns do. They give off a natural look because the dentist polishes them to reflect light like real teeth do. Your gums also respond well to the materials used to make the veneers, meaning they’re comfortable and won’t irritate the gum tissue.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How often do veneers need replacing?
On average porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years. Their lifespan depends on the patient’s oral care, diet, and the placement of the veneers.
Is it painful to get veneers?
Most patients report experiencing no pain while getting veneer treatment. The procedure is minimally-invasive. Patients may feel slight sensitivity after getting veneers but this will only last for a few days.
What can you not eat with veneers?
Patients with veneers should avoid eating hard or sticky foods. This includes chewing ice, biting into raw fruit, eating candies or caramel, etc. Patients should also avoid eating tough meat because it can be difficult for the veneers to chew. Some types of veneers can stain over time. We recommend avoiding soda, wine, coffee, and other foods and drinks that can stain teeth.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
Porcelain veneers are strong. However, they are slightly less strong than your natural tooth enamel. They are more likely to break or crack when biting into hard surfaces.
Do veneers make your breath smell?
Veneers do not cause bad breath. However, patients with veneers may be more likely to experience bad breath if they do not take proper care of their oral health. If you have a poor oral hygiene routine, veneers can harvest bacteria that may cause foul odors.
How do you take care of porcelain veneers?
The best way to take care of porcelain veneers is to brush and floss them at least twice daily. Patients with veneers should also avoid chewing on ice and hard candies, as these may cause damage to the veneers.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Get the beautiful smile you want with porcelain veneers.
Call our Lancaster, CA dentist office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online.
Call our Palmdale, CA dentist office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.