Everything You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

woman smiling

DISGUISE YOUR COSMETIC DENTAL FLAWS WITH VENEERS
Countless people wish they could restore their unsightly, discolored, uneven, or gapped teeth. Porcelain veneers, often referred to as ceramic veneers, are likely an excellent option for these people. The skilled team of dental professionals at Parker West Dental Associates is excited to offer custom porcelain veneers. An all-in-one cosmetic dental treatment, porcelain veneers can address a great number of superficial dental issues to help men and women in Plano, TX attain beautiful, striking smiles right away. Porcelain veneers are a great option if you want a minimally invasive and effective way to refine your smile so you feel more confident in your personal and work life.

WHAT ARE COSMETIC VENEERS?
Veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells that are bonded onto the visible side of your tooth. Depending on an individual's unique needs, ceramic veneers can be made to cover a wide range of cosmetic flaws. Gaps, discoloration, and cracks and misshapen, extra-small, and chipped teeth can all be addressed with the veneers so you have a beautiful, symmetrical smile.

WHY WE SHOULD CHOOSE PORCELAIN
The two main types of veneers are porcelain and resin. Most dentists, including at Parker West Dental Associates, prefer porcelain since it is more resistant to staining when compared to resin, and it lasts longer, too. Porcelain also looks more like natural teeth due to the way it reflects light. One of the key objectives of using dental veneers is to improve your smile without it being obvious that you’ve had a cosmetic dental procedure done. Porcelain veneers yield the strongest and most natural-looking results for patients.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Patients who wish to get veneers should not have any signs of cavities or periodontal disease. Before you can be fitted with custom porcelain veneers, your dentist will need to ensure that you have good oral health. Your dentist will also need to ensure that you have enough enamel, because a tiny bit of enamel almost always needs to be removed in order to place the veneers. In addition, if you clench or grind your teeth, you may not be a good candidate. Patients who have any of these dental issues will be asked to have them treated before they receive any cosmetic treatments. Patients in Plano, TX who are interested in veneers generally have many different issues they want to address. Veneers can yield remarkable cosmetic improvements, such as in the size, shape, color, and length of the teeth. They can also conceal common issues like crooked or asymmetric teeth. Other common reasons people get veneers include severely discolored teeth, teeth that are too little (microdontia), chipped teeth, and gaps between teeth.

THE PROCEDURE OF GETTING VENEERS
As soon as it’s been agreed that you are a good candidate for veneers, impressions of your tooth or teeth will need to be made. Your impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom veneers will be made from resin or porcelain. Once your dentist receives your veneers from the lab, you’ll come back into the office. At this visit, a small amount of enamel will be removed from the front of your teeth. This creates room for the dental veneers and prepares the enamel for better adhesion. Getting veneers generally does not require any type of anesthesia. Though, if you have dental fears, nitrous oxide or a light oral-conscious medication may be used. When the veneers are secured, small adjustments may be made to ensure that they are comfortable and fit well. After a final polish of your veneers, you'll be ready to go with your upgraded, beautiful smile and go about your usual activities. This simple cosmetic treatment can do away with the insecurities you once had and help you feel more confident.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR VENEERS
Some patients will experience a slight sensitivity to cold and hot foods for a few days after their veneers are placed, but this sensation should recede on its own. Regarding staining, porcelain is more resistant than natural enamel, but you still need to be mindful when eating or drinking things that may stain your teeth (for example, coffee, red wine, and berries). In order to take care of your veneers and your natural teeth, you have to adhere to a good home oral health routine. This means brushing and flossing every day. You also need to make sure that you schedule appointments at your dentist in Plano, TX at least twice a year for an oral health examination and bi-annual professional cleanings.

HOW MUCH DO VENEERS GENERALLY COST?
Costs for cosmetic veneers depend on your unique treatment plan. During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss how many cosmetic veneers you need and for which teeth, which will factor into your total pricing. While cosmetic treatments like veneers are typically not covered by insurance, Parker West Dental Associatesaccepts many forms of payments in addition to several financing options. If you are interested in dental veneers, our team will help you to make your plan more affordable.

HOW LONG DO VENEERS LAST?
If cared for properly, veneers can last from 10 to 20 years. Porcelain veneers are very durable, and as long as they are correctly maintained, they should last for quite some time. During your annual oral health exam, your dentist should assess the condition of your veneers and discuss whether you should have them replaced.

HAVE YOUR IDEAL SMILE WITH PORCELAIN VENEERS
Dental veneers can address many types dental issues and leave you with a radiant new smile and a great boost in confidence. If you would like to learn more about dental veneers, please contact our team at Parker West Dental Associates to schedule an examination and consultation. We will discuss whether you are a good candidate for dental veneers, as well as your questions and desired outcomes, before developing your custom treatment plan. You can also request to see before and after photos of previous patients in Plano, TX who have undergone a smile makeover with cosmetic veneers. They can help you get a better idea of how your results will look.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.