Porcelain Veneers: What You Should Know

Dentist Blog

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you may have considered getting porcelain dental veneers. These are thin porcelain shells that have the color and sheen of natural tooth material. They are cemented to the front of your teeth to improve their shape, color, size, or length. They can help you achieve a more beautiful and confident smile by correcting various cosmetic issues.

Here is a bit of information about porcelain veneers and their benefits. 

What Cosmetic Issues Can Porcelain Veneers Correct?

Veneers can be used to improve the look of many different dental imperfections. Here are some of them:

  • Discoloration 
  • Chips, cracks, or fractures
  • Gaps or spaces between the teeth
  • Misalignment, unevenness, or irregularity
  • Worn-down or eroded enamel

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments because they offer many advantages over other cosmetic options. Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers are:

  • They look natural and realistic, mimicking the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
  • They resist stains better than composite resin or natural teeth.
  • They are durable and long-lasting, with proper care and maintenance.
  • They are biocompatible and do not irritate the gums or cause allergic reactions.
  • They can be customized to match your preferences and goals.

What Is the Process for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

An application of porcelain veneers usually involves three visits to the dentist: one for consultation, one for preparation, and one for bonding. Here is what you can expect from each step.

Consultation

During the consultation, you will discuss your expectations and goals with your dentist. They will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. They may also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to plan the treatment. 

Preparation

During the preparation visit, your dental provider will remove a tiny bit of enamel from the front portion of the designated tooth. This is necessary to create room for the veneers and ensure an exact fit. You may or may not need local anesthesia for this step, depending on your sensitivity level.

Next, your dentist will prepare another mold of your teeth and send it to a dental lab where technicians will fabricate your veneers. This process may take several weeks, during which you may wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth.

Bonding

During the bonding visit, your dentist will check the fit and color of your veneers and make any necessary adjustments. They will then clean, polish, and etch your teeth to create a rough surface for better adhesion. They will apply special cement to the veneers, place them on your teeth, and use a curing light to harden the cement, securing the veneers in place. 

To learn more about porcelain veneers, reach out to a clinic like McMillin & Christian Family Dentistry.

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20 July 2023

The Reasons Why You Should Get A Root Canal

Hi, my name is Kevin Nelson and I want to tell you about my experience. I had a painful tooth so I went to see my dentist. After the examination, he said that I needed to have a root canal to save the tooth. I told the dentist to just pull the tooth instead and then he explained why that wasn't a good idea. He said that pulling the tooth would cause additional problems and then he told me what could happen. I didn't want any more problems, so the dentist did the root canal and I'm glad that he did. I wanted to write a blog to tell others about the benefits of a root canal and what to expect during the procedure. I hope that by getting the word out, other people won't make the same mistake that I almost did by getting a perfectly good tooth pulled.