What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a covering that is custom-made to sit on top of the natural tooth structure. This cosmetic sheath is carved from dense, quality dental porcelain. This is a type of ceramic that has been developed to withstand the force of biting. Customized porcelain veneers are affixed to the front surface of teeth that are visible in the smile.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Veneers?
At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, we conduct a thorough examination and consultation that provides us with detailed information to determine candidacy for porcelain veneers. Dr. Hiebert and Dr. Smith can transform your smile with the beauty of veneers. Porcelain veneers may be an ideal solution for patients with:
- Generally good oral health, free of cavities and gum disease.
- Good general health.
- Established hygiene practice that includes daily brushing and flossing.
- No degrading habits such as clenching and grinding teeth.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Not all dental veneers are made of porcelain material. Historically, veneers were made of composite resin. Over time, porcelain became recognized as an ideal substance for dental veneers due to its resemblance to natural tooth enamel. It is the preservation of the natural appearance of the smile that makes porcelain veneers such a beneficial cosmetic treatment, as with any porcelain restorations. The process does not require significant tooth modification or an excess of time, making it ideal for busy patients.
What Problems Can Veneers Fix?
One or more porcelain veneers can be designed to disguise cosmetic flaws such as:
- Gaps and other spacing issues.
- Odd shapes and proportions, too short or wide teeth.
- Unevenness in texture or color.
- Chips and cracks.
- Mild turning or misalignment.
How Long Do Veneers Last On Your Teeth?
We expect most patients to enjoy results that last from 7 to 15 years. In some cases, veneers can last even longer. Material choice and continued oral care are two major contributing factors in the lifespan of veneers.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
A smile makeover involving porcelain veneers can generally be conducted over two to three visits. The initial visit may include the consultation, examination, and dental cleaning. A second visit may focus on preparation.
In order for veneers to be affixed to teeth and lie near the gums, it is necessary that we reduce the natural tooth a small amount. Porcelain veneers are usually about as thick as a fingernail. After reduction, impressions are taken. This creates a model of the tooth or teeth that will receive veneers. The model is sent to a dental lab along with details regarding color and other characteristics discussed during our consultation.
The third and final visit is devoted to the placement and evaluation of completed porcelain veneers. This appointment usually takes place about ten days after the previous visit. Before we bond veneers to teeth, we use a temporary fixative to seat the jackets. You can then observe your smile in a mirror and discuss any modifications you or your dentist may want. When your smile looks exactly as we intended from our consultation and treatment planning, we bond veneers into place using a strong material cured with light.
What Can I Expect After The Veneers Have Been Placed?
Because teeth are slightly reduced to accommodate porcelain veneers, it is possible that some patients will experience mild sensitivity to various food and beverage temperatures. Usually, this resolves after final veneers are bonded into place. However, this may take some time. Aside from this minor side effect, you can expect to be able to eat and drink normally with your gorgeous new smile.
What Is The Best Way To Care For New Porcelain Veneers?
Proper care is critical to maximizing the results of a porcelain veneer treatment. We encourage patients to:
- Floss daily.
- Brush daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Refrain from opening packages with teeth and chewing on hard objects.
- Wear an appropriate mouthguard when playing sports.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep.
- Maintain routine dental checkups and cleanings at six-month intervals.
Schedule A Consultation
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are routinely performed in our St. Helens office, where we prioritize personalized, professional care to achieve gorgeous results. If you are interested in a smile makeover without major intervention, you may love what porcelain veneers can do for you.
Contact our St. Helens, OR office at (503) 397-6144 to discover what porcelain veneers can do for your smile.