June 3, 2024
Even if you don’t know much about porcelain veneers, you’ve certainly seen them. Porcelain veneers are the reason so many celebrities have perfectly white, perfectly shaped, perfectly aligned, and perfectly sized teeth. Using thin, shell-like coverings made of porcelain, veneers can transform your smile in just a couple of dental appointments with an experienced cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain Veneers Can Correct Virtually All Imperfections
Porcelain veneers offer fixes for virtually all imperfections with the teeth. Because each veneer is custom-created for the tooth it will cover, a set of porcelain veneers can correct nearly all cosmetic problems including:- Small teeth (too narrow, or too short)
- Dulled, yellow, brown, or gray teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chips in teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
Getting Veneers: What to Expect
Getting porcelain dental veneers will require at least two appointments. To get started, you will have a comprehensive oral exam to ensure that you are free of active gum disease and decay. Next, your teeth will need to be prepped for the veneers. This involves removing a tiny layer of enamel on the surface of the teeth using a technique called etching. Etching creates room for the veneer to fit on the tooth and creates a surface that will securely bond the veneer to the tooth. Once the teeth have been prepared, you’ll have a series of digital images and scans taken. These will be sent, along with the custom treatment plan created by your dentist, to the lab to create your veneers. After the veneers have been returned from the lab, you’ll return to the office. Your dentist will meticulously fit each veneer to its corresponding tooth. Adjustments will be made if necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Lastly, the veneers will be permanently bonded to the teeth, and your smile will be completely transformed, without the need for invasive, surgical procedures.Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Caring for porcelain veneers is easy. You should treat them like natural teeth, brushing at least twice daily for a full two minutes, and flossing your teeth daily. Continue seeing your dentist every six months for oral exams and cleanings. Although porcelain veneers are designed to be stain-resistant, they are not immune from staining. You may choose to limit beverages known to cause staining such as coffee, tea, red wine, and brightly colored sports drinks. Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment, so once you decide to upgrade your smile, you’ll need to keep veneers forever. You may need to replace them eventually.Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Veneers
How long will my veneers last?
With good oral hygiene habits and regular dental appointments, dental veneers have been known to last decades without needing to be replaced. On average, you may need to replace them every 10-15 years.Are veneers durable?
Yes, veneers are very durable. However, you should be sure you have a nightguard if you grind your teeth. You should never chew on ice, pens, fingernails, hard candies, etc. If a veneer breaks, notify your dentist immediately.Schedule a Cosmetic Dental Consult in Morristown, NJ
Dr. Ewa Awad is a highly experienced and top-reviewed cosmetic dentist serving patients from Morristown and surrounding areas. In addition to porcelain veneers, Dr. Awad also provides Invisalign, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding to help you get your most beautiful smile. To schedule a consultation to discuss your cosmetic dental goals, call or book your appointment online.