What to Expect From Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a billion-dollar industry worldwide, making it one of the most popular and in-demand cosmetic dentistry services. The prevalence of porcelain veneer makeovers is largely due to a growing prioritization for oral health and the trend for an aesthetically stunning smile.

Veneers are no longer something just for A-listers or prominent CEOs either. A significant number of people opting for veneers are average adults who simply want to feel more confident in their smiles. However, it’s important to be in the know before proceeding with any cosmetic dental treatment option, especially one that can’t be reversed.

If you’re interested in porcelain veneers, here are 5 important facts you should know.

1. What are porcelain veneers, and how do they work?

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that covers mild to moderate flaws. Unlike dental crowns that completely encapsulate a tooth, porcelain veneers only cover the front of a tooth with a thin shell. Modern techniques focus on preserving as much natural tooth as possible, so your dentist will only remove a minimal amount of enamel when prepping your teeth.

Once your teeth are prepped, a specialized dental cement will be used to permanently adhere each individual veneer shell to its respective tooth. Your dentist will then ensure each veneer fits perfectly and feels smooth. This process is important in ensuring your veneers are comfortable, long-lasting, and won’t damage neighboring teeth.

2. How natural do porcelain veneers look?

Modern porcelain veneers are exceptionally realistic in appearance because dentists continue to hone their expertise in designing the most natural-looking veneers possible. You might say that an accurate way of describing modern veneers is “your teeth, but better.”

Porcelain is a special type of ceramic that is inherently suited to matching natural tooth enamel. Dentists and lab technicians are able to expertly sculpt and color porcelain veneers to blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They even tailor the opacity of the porcelain to mimic the subtle translucency of natural tooth enamel and how it reflects depth and light.

When you choose an experienced cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye, you can rest assured that your veneers will be virtually imperceptible. The only person who will know the difference is your dentist.

3.  Are porcelain veneers a permanent solution?

Porcelain veneers are a permanent decision and cannot be reversed because of the thin layer of enamel that must be removed.

You’ll always need to wear veneers, although you do have the option of replacing your veneers if your current set wears down or you decide they no longer match the appearance you want for your smile.

4. Do porcelain veneers require special care?

A wonderful benefit of porcelain veneers is that they don’t require specialized care. Caring for veneers isn’t very different from caring for a smile without cosmetic enhancements.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will help you get the longest life possible from your veneers. Brush twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled manual or powered toothbrush. Floss daily, ideally before bedtime brushing, although we encourage flossing whenever you have stuck food. You can also use a tongue scraper before brushing to kill bad breath, and follow it with a fluoride mouthwash post-brushing.

Remember that porcelain is tough, but it can still crack or chip. Protect your veneers from damage by not using your teeth as tools, avoiding habits like chewing ice, and wearing recommended mouthguards if you suffer from bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching).

Veneers are long-lasting, and you can expect to get 10 to 15+ years of wear before the set needs to be replaced.

5. Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

A big reason why porcelain veneers are so popular is that the prepping and placement of modern porcelain veneers aren’t overly invasive, so you’re likely an automatic candidate if you’re in good general health without active decay or gum disease.

During your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will evaluate your overall oral health and take a close look at any damage, discoloration, or aesthetic flaws you’d like covered. Veneers are often a great solution for permanent tooth staining, small gaps, minor misalignments, and worn or chipped teeth.

In some cases, dental crowns may be a more suitable alternative to veneers if you have teeth that are structurally unsound and need added stability. Veneers and crowns can often be combined into a single smile makeover, so you might have veneers on most of your teeth except one that requires a crown due to deep decay or a fracture.

Are you ready for your porcelain veneer consultation?

The first step in any porcelain veneer transformation is a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

A consultation is a no-pressure evaluation to find out if you’re a candidate for veneers and whether or not you need any pre-treatment services, like a cavity or gingivitis treatment, before veneers can be placed. A consultation also gives you a chance to have a one-on-one chat with your dentist about your smile goals and ask any questions you might have about veneers.

Schedule a consultation with skilled dentists who perform veneers placement near Bloomington today.