10 Facts to Know About Porcelain Veneers
It has been said that a smile is worth a thousand words. If your smile is rendering others speechless, (and not in a good way) then it’s time to consider your options. Porcelain veneers can resolve multiple dental issues that are preventing you from sharing your smile with the world. The dentists at Parker West Dental Associates in Plano, Texas have provided ten very informative facts about porcelain veneers to help you determine whether or not veneers are the right choice for you.
Veneers are a great long-term solution
For Plano, TX men and women who have struggled with the appearance of their smile, they can feel good knowing that porcelain veneers can last a very long time. They create a straight, bright, whiter, more symmetric smile and help you feel confident and self-assured. Once you see how great they look you’ll never want to go back to the way they were before anyway. The veneers are applied with bonding cement to make sure they are secured well to your natural teeth. Once the bonding cement has been applied a UV light is used to allow the cement to set. This is ultimately what creates longevity so you can enjoy your smile for years to come.
Other options for missing teeth
Since porcelain veneers are placed over your existing teeth so they may not be the right option if you have missing teeth. There are other dental treatments you can consider if your primary concern is a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Veneers may not be effective if you have missing teeth because they need something to adhere and bond to. Good candidates for veneers are people that have cracked or broken teeth, misshapen teeth, or teeth that are discolored. Gaps between the teeth are also something that can be enhanced with veneers.
Try before you buy
Veneers are a major investment. Because they are a long-term solution, you are fitted with temporary veneers to make sure you like everything about them before your permanent veneers are made. You’ll wear the temporary veneers for a few days to see if any modifications need to be made to the size, shape, or look of the veneers. If there’s something you don’t like about the veneers or something you want changed, this can be discussed during your appointment.
Like any investment, you need to take care of them
You can expect to be out good money for veneers, and by good, we mean the cost is worth the outcome. Because dental veneers are not an inexpensive fix, you will want to do your best to maintain your veneers by flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis. Treat your veneers like you would treat any expensive upgrade and care for them so they will last you for years.
Dental skill matters
When considering porcelain veneers to transform your teeth and upgrade your smile, you will want to make sure you have a seasoned, experienced, and highly reputable board-certified Plano, TX dentist. Search high and low for a dentist that meets your criteria, which includes education, training, experience, reputation, and good patient reviews. You need to find someone that has experience in creating veneers and who also has high patient satisfaction. New dentists who are trying to build a client base or those that offer incredibly low rates are probably not your best bet. You’ll be trusting this dentist with not only your money, but also your smile, so be sure to choose wisely.
Photos are proof of good dental work
During your quest to find the right cosmetic dentist to perform your veneers procedure, it is important to look at as many before and after photos as you can. During your consultations, request to see before and after photos of patients who have received veneers so you can get a good idea of the dentist’s work. Porcelain veneers should look natural, even, symmetrical, and appealing. If you like what you see in the photos, the chances are good the dentist can provide you with similar results.
You can do a few or do them all
The good thing about veneers is that you don’t have to replace all of your existing teeth. You can pick and choose which teeth will benefit most from veneers. Some patients only have a need for one veneer, like those who have fallen and accidentally injured a tooth, while some patients have large amounts of tooth decay on all teeth which may require a full set of veneers.
Your natural teeth don’t have to be completely shaved
A lot of people are under the impression that veneers require the natural teeth to be filed down significantly. This is not the case with the majority of patients. Oftentimes, only a very tiny amount of enamel has to be removed. We’re talking about half a millimeter of enamel which is actually thinner than your fingernail. It helps to talk to a seasoned dentist about the process of veneers so you can feel more confident in your decision.
Veneers can partially or fully cover your entire tooth
Depending on your issue, you may not need to have a veneer created to cover the entire tooth. Oftentimes partial veneers can be used to elongate the tooth or correct issues with broken teeth. Full veneers are used to cover teeth that are discolored or that have cracks or chips that are closer to the gum line.
Veneers can be applied in one office visit
The process of applying veneers can be completed in a single office visit, but be prepared for it to take some time. You don’t want to rush something as important as your smile. You can expect to be at the dentist’s office for a few hours if you’re getting several teeth done. In order to prevent pain or discomfort your mouth will be numbed with local anesthesia.
Interested in learning more?
If you’d like to know more about porcelain veneers and how they can transform your smile please contact our Plano, TX dental office to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dentists. Veneers aren’t for everyone and in some cases they are not the best option for your dental issues. Let the highly-skilled dentists at Parker West Dental Associates evaluate your smile and confirm whether or not veneers are a good fit for you. Your dentist will also take the time to go through the process with you and answer any of your questions.
Porcelain veneers are more than just a financial investment; they’re an investment in your appearance, self-confidence, and so much more. We look forward to your visit to our office so you can see why veneers are such a popular choice.