10 Essential Facts To Consider Before Choosing Porcelain Veneers

Ever wondered how social media models and front page magazine personalities have such amazing teeth? From bright white smiles to perfectly aligned teeth, porcelain veneers have become a popular cosmetic dentistry option. These thin, custom tooth coverings bond directly to your tooth and mask imperfections such as chipped teeth and discolorations. But are they for you? In this article, we uncover ten essential facts to consider before choosing porcelain veneers.

1. You May Or May Not Be A Candidate

While porcelain veneers work for many people, you’ll need to make sure you’re a good candidate. A good starting point is to ensure you’re looking to improve the quality and appearance of your smile. If a brighter smile is your goal, veneers can transform the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

To find out if you’re a candidate, you’ll need to have a strong bone structure and healthy gums. It’s best to consult with a trusted cosmetic dentist to assess these requirements and help you decide if veneers are right for you. If you’re looking to improve on chipping, staining, spacing, or teeth symmetry issues, a veneer may be the right choice for you.

2. Veneers Aren’t A One Size Fits All Solution

It’s important to remember that veneers are designed to address aesthetic enhancements and aren’t a substitute for restorative dental work. Veneers won’t solve issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, which may need to be addressed before considering veneers.

There are other cosmetic solutions which may better suit your needs, such as:

• Teeth whitening treatment
• Dental Bonding
• Orthodontic treatment
• Invisalign treatment

3. Veneers Aren’t Removable

Porcelain veneers are secured by using dental cement to form a strong bond. They are designed to last between 15 and 20 years. It’s important to remember that once you have them, there’s no going back. Their longevity means you’ll need to be happy with the veneer work that your cosmetic dentist has performed. It’s for this reason that you should consult with a leading cosmetic dentist who is well experienced.

4. Veneer Procedures Involve Multiple Appointments

Your initial consultation will involve a thorough mouth examination to assess the viability of a veneer. Your cosmetic dentist will also ask you about your desired outcomes and work on a treatment plan.

The next step is tooth preparation, which usually involves a separate appointment. At this appointment, your cosmetic dentist will remove a small amount of enamel and an impression will be taken of your tooth. The next step is to wait for your veneer to be fabricated in a dental lab. Don’t worry, while you wait for this you’ll be given a temporary dental veneer to wear while this takes place. Finally, you’ll return for a final veneer placement, where your dentist will check the positioning and color of the veneer.

5. Porcelain Is Stain Resistant

Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant. This is because of their non-porous glass-ceramic composition, which prevents the absorption of stains. This is unlike your natural tooth enamel, which is prone to staining over time. You’ll be pleased to know that culprits such as coffee and red wine won’t have any effect on your veneers color.

6. Porcelain Veneers Are An Investment

A porcelain veneer should be seen as a long-term investment, as they can come at a cost. When one sees the long-term benefit of a veneer, the associated cost is easier to accept. The price of your veneer will depend on your unique needs and how many veneers you require. As veneers are designed to improve your tooth aesthetic, most insurance companies don’t cover them. It’s for these reasons that veneer treatment should be thought through carefully and discussed with your trusted cosmetic dentist. Once you’ve come to a decision, you’ll be reminded of your investment every time you look at your smile in the mirror.

7. Veneers Require Proper Care

Although your porcelain veneers are durable, they still require ongoing care and maintenance. You should aim to treat them like you do your natural teeth.

A veneer maintenance routine should include:​​​​​​

Ensure Regular Brushing & Flossing

Following a daily brushing and flossing routine will keep your veneer and the surrounding teeth and gums healthy.

Avoid Hard Foods

It’s best to avoid foods such as hard candy and ice. Be careful with certain raw vegetables and any overly sticky candy.

Protect Against Tooth Grinding

Bruxism can damage veneers over time, and a night guard should be considered if you’re aware of any grinding. Be sure to speak with your dentist about the best way to handle bruxism.

Invest In Regular Dental Check-Ups

Ongoing check-ups will help to identify any potential hygiene issues and cavities.

8. Veneers Involve A Quick & Easy Recovery

Concerned that you may be in for a sustained recovery after getting a veneer fitted? Rest assured that the recovery process is a mild one. Apart from some possible mild tooth sensitivity and soreness, you’ll hardly notice any side effects. All that’s left to enjoy of your new and improved smile.

9. Veneers Aren’t A Whole Mouth Affair

Unlike dentures, veneers are seldom fitted on all your teeth. Most people have one or two teeth with a chip or a crack that they’re wanting fixed. Veneers are designed to do just that and will fit in perfectly with the color of your surrounding teeth. This is provided you are using a trusted professional cosmetic dentist, of course.

10. Choosing The Right Cosmetic Dentist Matters

The success of your veneer procedure is dependent on the quality of the porcelain used and the skill of your dentist. The best dentists are those who have struck the balance between using tried and tested techniques while adopting cutting-edge technologies. Be sure to choose a dentist who is widely experienced in cosmetic dentistry with a solid track record. Don’t feel bad about asking for before-and-after photos of their previous work and ask them about the type of porcelain they use. Porcelain should always mimic the translucence of your teeth.

Veneers For The Best Smile In Boynton Beach

At Eriks Dental Group, we have all your cosmetic dentistry needs covered. We offer high-quality porcelain veneer treatment and will walk you through an in-depth consultation to help you decide if veneers are the right way forward for you. Our team of dental professionals offer the best in dental services and will be able to treat whatever dental issue you have. Chat to our dental team at 561-733-4004 to find out more about a porcelain veneer treatment for your teeth.