When you’re looking to reinvent your smile, your dental provider can offer you plenty of options. A popular choice is porcelain veneers, which are dental prosthetics that fit over your natural teeth. However, you should know a few things before choosing to get porcelain veneers. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment and what you can expect.
Veneers Can Fix Multiple Issues
This dental cosmetic can fix issues such as overcrowding, chips, gaps, discoloration, staining, and more. However, there is no one-size-fits-all veneer, so your dentist will work with you to develop custom prosthetics that gently fit over your natural teeth to restore your smile.
Veneers Aren’t for Everyone
While veneers can fix multiple issues, a few people should not receive this dental prosthetic. Your dentist will examine your oral hygiene and health to determine if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. For example, if you have an oral infection or tooth decay, you should never place veneers over these teeth, or the problem will worsen.
This prosthetic is strictly for cosmetic restoration, and any decaying issues or infections must receive treatment before a dentist considers this option for you. On the other hand, you’re a great candidate for porcelain veneers if you have healthy gums and a good bone structure.
Removable vs. Permanent Options
In general, porcelain veneers are not removable and remain permanent for around 15 years, depending on how well you care for them. However, while you’re waiting for your porcelain set of veneers to be made, your dentist might give you a removable option made from composite resin, acrylic, or other materials.
You should only wear your removable veneers for one to two weeks until your permanent set arrives. Technically, you could wear composite veneers for three to five years, but this material is more prone to staining and is less durable than its permanent counterpart. So if this is a permanent solution for you, don’t waste your time on removable veneers. It’s best to work with your dentist to fit you with a permanent set.
Veneers Aren’t Required for the Whole Mouth
Many people might think that when you go to your dentist to receive veneers, they cover the entirety of your mouth. This isn’t true. Even if you only have one or two teeth that you are displeased with, you can still talk with your dental provider about partial veneers.
At your consultation and examination appointment, your dentist will determine how many of your teeth may benefit from veneers. Some people might benefit from only having veneers over their front teeth, while others will benefit more from a complete set.
You Get To Keep Your Natural Teeth
Unlike dentures, which often require removing teeth to fit the prosthetic, veneers are minimally invasive. The veneer is like a custom-made shell that conceals the front of your natural teeth without needing to remove any. It’s a quick fix for minor issues and a popular dental cosmetic treatment.
Veneers Can Chip and Crack
Porcelain veneers look and function much like your natural teeth. This means they can chip or crack occasionally, depending on how well you care for them. Veneers can withstand normal wear and tear, but if you abuse them, you will damage them. However, if this cosmetic does experience damage, your dentist can quickly restore and treat the problem.
Porcelain Resists Staining
Unlike our natural teeth, which are susceptible to staining from coffee, wine, and other substances, porcelain is less likely to stain. Of course, proper oral hygiene is necessary to thwart these stains. To keep your porcelain veneers as white as possible, you must maintain proper oral hygiene.
Veneers Are Customizable
One thing you should know before choosing to get porcelain veneers is that they are customizable! Everything from the shape to the color is entirely personalized. During the consultation, your dentist will work with you to determine which color will provide you with the best smile and which shape will look the most natural. This way, you can understand what your veneers will look like before committing to the treatment.
The Process of Receiving Veneers
After a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for this dental cosmetic, you will likely have two visits to complete the treatment. However, if you have any cavities or other pending dental treatment on your natural teeth, you must receive care before being fitted for veneers. This is because, as mentioned, the veneer could worsen issues once it covers your teeth.
Once your teeth are healthy and ready to receive the veneers, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of your enamel on the first visit after the consultation. This procedure helps maintain the original thickness of your teeth once the veneers are on. It also provides an abrasive surface for the prosthetic to adhere to. This first appointment will also include impressions, which create a mold for the dentist to help shape your veneers to look as natural as possible. Your dentist may also fit you with a temporary veneer in the meantime, so you can consider how it looks and feels in your mouth.
At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and prepare your teeth for the permanent veneer. Your dentist will apply bonding glue to the front surface of your teeth and apply the permanent veneer over this. Many patients might also receive a local anesthetic for this treatment to ensure maximum comfort.
Post-Op Recovery and Care
The post-op treatment after receiving dental veneers is very straightforward. Your teeth may initially feel sensitive with a mild soreness, but the soreness shouldn’t last longer than a few days. As for caring for your veneers, it’s precisely like caring for your natural teeth! Keep going to your regular dental appointments, brush and floss your teeth like normal, and practice good oral hygiene daily to ensure the veneers last for many years.
Now that you have more details on porcelain veneers, is this a dental cosmetic treatment you’re willing to try for yourself? Call Cal Dental Group today to schedule a consultation appointment for teeth veneers in Los Angeles. One of our professional cosmetic dentists will help you start your journey in restoring your natural smile. You deserve a smile you’re confident in—consider porcelain veneers today!