Have you ever been the person to self-consciously hide their smile in a group photo? How about during a job interview or while on a first date? Cosmetic dentistry was designed to help people just like you feel more confident by hiding slight tooth discoloration or damage. If you have cracks or gaps in your smile, you may want to consider the advantages of porcelain veneers. Our dentist will be able to help you determine if veneers are the right solution for your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can be used to restore the appearance of teeth that are discolored, slightly crooked, chipped, or uneven. In order to apply dental veneers, our dentist will first need to remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. After that, we’ll take an impression of your mouth so that your veneers can be custom-made to fit your smile.
However, each individual case is different. Here are 5 reasons you might want to choose porcelain veneers instead of the other cosmetic dentistry options.
Porcelain veneers are created based on impressions your dentist takes of your teeth. This means that you can expect the contouring and color of the porcelain shell to mimic your natural tooth enamel. Not only do porcelain veneers look natural, but they also feel natural. The ceramic covering hides stained or cracked teeth like a protective shell so you can eat and talk normally.
After your porcelain veneers arrive from the lab, your cosmetic dentist may make slight adjustments by cutting excess material or matching the color of your tooth enamel. In other words, they’re customized to fit over your teeth in a way that will look and feel natural.
For minor cosmetic dental problems, you may want to discuss with your dentist whether or not you are a good candidate for veneer teeth. Front teeth veneers can help you boost your confidence by closing gaps between teeth or even covering up yellow teeth.
Did you know that porcelain veneers are able to resist staining and decay better than normal teeth? Given proper care, you can expect your dental veneers to last between 10 and 15 years. While porcelain veneers are durable and stain resistant, you still need to care for them as you would natural teeth.
For example, excessive coffee drinking can stain your veneers. Also, using your front teeth to bite down on hard foods such as ice can cause your veneers to chip if you’re not careful. As long as you take good care of your dental veneers, they will last you for years to come.
Take care of your new dental veneers the same way you take care of your natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss daily to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Also, make sure you schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist. This easy maintenance will help you keep the natural white shine in your veneers so you can enjoy a beautiful healthy smile. Since veneers are non-porous, they are able to resist permanent stains and cavities better than your natural tooth enamel. In other words, dental veneer maintenance is minimal.
The veneers procedure is less invasive than other tooth restorations, such as dental crowns. To make room for your porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will need to shave ½ millimeter from the front surface of your teeth. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that teeth receiving dental crowns require more filing because the crown has to fit over the entire tooth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are adhered only to the front surface that is visible to other people. During the veneers process, you may also need very little to no anesthesia.
Dr. Taylor and his team are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile with veneer teeth and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. To schedule an appointment with our Waterford dentist, call Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center at (248) 681-8100.
