What Are Dental Veneers? Here’s What You Should Know
Do you still have that pesky chipped tooth from when you were a kid? Or some discoloration on one tooth and not another? Do you keep putting off getting it fixed? If so, you may be a great candidate for porcelain dental veneers and exploring this option with a trusted dental professional, specifically a prosthodontist. Dental veneers are actually more accurately known as porcelain veneers, although the common question we often receive from our patients is “what are dental veneers?” In this post, we’ll answer that question and more.
Here’s what you should know as you start your research for top dental veneers in South Florida.
What are Porcelain Dental Veneers?
So what are dental veneers? According to WebMD.com, dental veneers can go by a few names including porcelain veneers or even dental porcelain laminates. The wafer-thin, custom tooth shells cover the front of your teeth to help improve their appearance. The thin material covers the front surface of your teeth. To improve the overall look, dental veneers are colored like your other teeth and are bonded to the front of your teeth. If done well, you and your dentist will be the only ones who know that you have dental veneers. Dental veneers typically last 5-10 years and as for care, just standard oral hygiene and routine visits are all that are needed.
What are some reasons I would need dental veneers?
There are a handful of reasons that make porcelain veneers a good option and of course it’s a topic you should discuss with a trusted dentist.
- Discoloration from a variety of causes such as root canal treatment, stains from medications like tetracycline or even excessive fluoride
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
Patients with extensive tooth decay or who grind or clench their teeth are typically not ideal candidates for porcelain veneers and of course require a dental consultation before making a decision.
The Pros of Dental Veneers AKA Porcelain Veneers
Compared to resin composite veneers, porcelain ones are less likely to stain and mimic the light reflecting qualities of your actual teeth. Like with any options, your dentist will help to advise on the best dental veneers option for you. In addition to having a real tooth appearance, gums handle porcelain veneers quite well. Compared to crowns, they look better, are stronger, and often require less shaping. You need to change very little when it comes to taking care of your new veneers. Just be sure to avoid hard foods and break any habits you may have of biting nails or chewing on pencils to extend the life of your new and improved pearly whites.
Cautions to Take With Porcelain Veneers
As noted earlier, not all patients will make for good candidates for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are intended to be permanent and if it does crack, the whole veneer would need to be replaced. Those with habits such as chewing on pens, biting their nails or gnawing on ice may make porcelain veneers a less ideal option. Patients with tooth decay may need to consider options with the guidance from their dentist or prothodontist.
What should I expect when getting porcelain dental veneers?
You should expect to visit your dentist at least three times during the process of getting porcelain veneers starting with a consultation and then two visits for the application of the veneers. X-rays and impressions of your teeth are commonly taken during the consultation process to ensure you are a good candidate for porcelain dental veneers. In preparing for your veneers, your dentist will shave down the surface of the tooth. Oftentimes, the tooth will be numbed to prevent any pain from shaving down the enamel. Then, impressions are taken and sent to a lab to make your new porcelain veneers. That process usually takes about 2-4 weeks and a temporary veneer can be used in the interim.
Once the porcelain veneers come in, you’ll head back to your trusted dental professional who will examine its fit, color, etc. and adjust it as needed before cementing it to your actual tooth. A special light will be used to harden the cement and bonding it to your tooth very quickly. Any excess cement will be removed and the dentist will check the fit and your bite before sending you on your way.
Depending on the process, your dentist may ask that you come back into the office a few weeks later to check your gums and the dental veneer’s placement and make sure you are all set with your new smile.
Where can I find a top dentist for porcelain veneers near me?
Google is always a good place to start when searching for the best option for porcelain veneer dentists. Of course patient reviews, a referral from a family member or friend or even another healthcare provider may all provide reputable suggestions.
We hope after reading this blog it has helped answer your initial question on “what are dental veneers.” If you have more questions on porcelain veneers, this FAQ from the American College of Prosthodontists may have just the question and answer you are searching for.
Looking for porcelain dental veneers in Coral gables, FL?
If you’re looking for the best dentist in the Coral Gables area, a top porcelain veneers provider in Coral Gables, then call Dr. Lesperance and his team of dental professionals today at 305-665-1263 or book online here.
