10 Must-Know Facts About Porcelain Veneers Before Getting Them!

Have you wondered how some people have perfectly aligned, bright, healthy teeth? While some smiles are natural, some people have cosmetic dentistry to thank for their perfect smiles. If your smile isn’t as perfect as you’d like due to imperfections like teeth stains, cracks, improper teeth gaps, and teeth misalignments, you should consider porcelain veneers from our dentist.

Things you should know about veneers

If you’re considering porcelain veneers, you might wonder what the treatment entails and whether it’s right for you. To help you make an informed decision, below are ten things you should know about veneers.

• • What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are adhered to a tooth to repair or hide the damage. Unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire visible part of the tooth, veneers only cover the front part. The veneer is customized to change or improve the tooth’s size, shape, and appearance.

• • Who is eligible for porcelain veneers?

While effective, porcelain veneers only work for some. In most cases, veneers are ideal for cosmetic reasons to change the aesthetics of your teeth. However, they are only perfect for minor to average imperfections like:

• • • Tooth chips or cracks
    • Tooth stains, yellowing, or discoloration
    • Minor teeth misalignments
    • Improper teeth gaps
    • Uneven or misshapen teeth

  • When will porcelain veneers not work?

Patients with large teeth imperfections like teeth chips, breaks, misalignments, and gaps may not be eligible for porcelain veneers. In such cases, you may need more complex treatments like dental crowns, braces, and Invisalign.

Underlying conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and bruxism can also disqualify you from getting porcelain veneers. Consult our dentist near you for a dental exam and cleaning to determine whether you qualify for porcelain veneers near Westport, CT.

• • Porcelain veneers can get damaged

While strong and durable, porcelain veneers are still susceptible to damage like chips, cracks, and staining. However, it’s worth noting that porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene and habits to extend the lifespan of your veneers and protect your teeth. Speak with your dentist as soon as possible if your veneers are worn-out, damaged, or stained.

• • Veneers are custom-made

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match your natural teeth’ size, shape, and color to ensure they perfectly suit your smile and facial appearance. The dentist will shave a minor part of the tooth enamel to allow the veneer to fit perfectly without looking bulky or abnormal. Next, the dentist uses impressions of your natural teeth to create your unique veneers.

• • How many appointments do you need to get veneers?

On average, it requires about two dental appointments. On the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by trimming it. Then, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab to create the custom veneers. It takes about 2 – 3 weeks.

While waiting for the custom veneer, the dentist can temporarily restore the prepared tooth to protect it. Once the custom veneer is ready, you’ll go in for the second appointment. The dentist will remove the temporary restoration and cement the customized one permanently.

• • You can’t reverse porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are permanent restorations. When placing the veneer, the dentist must shave the tooth’s enamel to change the structure of the tooth to allow the veneer to fit perfectly. After removing the tooth enamel, you can’t restore it. You must protect the shaved tooth with a veneer or another restoration like a crown.

• • Porcelain veneers are durable

Porcelain is one of the most popular dental restoration materials. Porcelain poses excellent aesthetics and strength. With proper dental hygiene and habits, porcelain veneers should last 10 – 15 years or longer.

• • Caring for porcelain veneers

Once adhered to teeth, porcelain veneers are easy to care for and maintain. The better you care for your mouth, the longer your veneers will last. Common tips for caring for your veneers include:

• • • Brush twice daily.
    • Floss daily.
    • Schedule routine dental check-ups.
    • Have routine professional cleanings.
    • Avoid tobacco products.
    • Avoid or limit staining habits.
    • Avoid chewing hard or crunchy items like nails, candy, and ice.

  • Porcelain veneers cost

Compared to other treatments like dental crowns, porcelain veneers are relatively affordable. Considering that they can last for more than 15 years, dental veneers are a worthwhile investment. The average price for porcelain veneers is about $925 – $2,500 per tooth. Visit our dental clinic to determine the exact cost of dental veneers near you.

Schedule an Appointment Today with our dentist in Westport, CT

Are you interested in dental veneers in Westport, CT? Schedule a dentist appointment at Advanced Dental of Westport, CT, for more information.