Sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics, porcelain veneers can quickly change or enhance your smile. Crooked, chipped, tetracycline-stained teeth, or simply that you dislike the shape and/or color of your teeth, are some of the reasons to consider laminate veneers. Current technology and materials enable us to create veneers that truly are life-like.
Dr. Ania has an abundance of training and an artistic eye for creating beautiful smiles. Learn more about the porcelain veneer process in consultation with her at our Boulder, CO office. Call 303-443-0998 today!
What Exactly Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers, which are sometimes called dental veneers, are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain material that are tooth-colored and created to cover the surface of natural teeth. We place the shells over the front of the teeth, on the visible side, to change their shape, color, size, or length. To apply veneers, we usually remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth.
Porcelain veneers look like natural teeth and can correct a variety of issues, including chipped or worn teeth, stained teeth, crooked or misshapen teeth, and uneven gaps between teeth.
What Problems can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to address the specific issues you would like to correct. You may have one or more of the several concerns that are routinely treated with this cosmetic service. These include:
- Gaps in between teeth
- Chips or uneven wear
- Misshapen or uneven teeth
- Slight turning or misalignment
- Severe stains that do not respond to teeth whitening
What Are the Advantages of Porcelain over Other Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than resin composite veneers. Well-maintained porcelain veneers can last 7 to 15 years, while composite ones have a maximum lifespan of 7 years.
Porcelain veneers also offer the most natural look, with a translucence that is similar to natural teeth. They are also less prone to staining and chipping because of the glaze we apply after treatment. They are less porous than composite veneers, so you will not have to adjust your diet drastically to avoid foods that cause stains.
Who is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Aside from wanting to improve one or more of the conditions we’ve mentioned, there are other traits that Dr. Ania will look for to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneer treatment. This cosmetic process is an investment in your smile that can last many years before needing a touch-up. The goal is to ensure that you enjoy lasting results! To achieve this goal, you should have:
- Good oral health. You need to have healthy gums and teeth to achieve all of the benefits of porcelain veneer treatment. If needed, we can perform necessary restorative care to start your process off on the right foot.
- Sufficient tooth enamel. Part of the treatment process is to reduce the surface of the teeth to accommodate the thickness of your new veneers. If your teeth are severely worn down, the doctor may need to explore alternative treatment options.
- Generally straight teeth. Veneers can disguise the appearance of mild turning and misalignment. However, the treatment is not corrective. The structure behind your veneers will still be crooked. For this reason, it there are limitations to the degree of crookedness that veneers can cover.
- The ability to manage bruxism, nighttime grinding and clenching. The doctor may make you a custom-fit mouthguard to wear while you sleep. This will keep the force on your veneers to a minimum.
- The ability to stop habits like biting on ice, nails, or other hard objects. This habit can break down the bond of veneers or cause them to crack.
- Good oral hygiene. To maintain your healthy, attractive smile after getting porcelain veneers, you must brush and floss your teeth daily and also see your dentist every six months. Without proper care, there is a risk of developing cavities around the margins of your veneers.
What Is The Porcelain Veneers Procedure Like?
It takes two visits to complete this treatment process. First, the doctor needs to prepare your teeth. Veneers aren’t always placed on every tooth in the smile. You may need only one or two veneers to achieve your desired outcome. In this case, you may undergo teeth whitening before getting the veneer process going. To prepare your teeth, Dr. Ania will carefully reduce a thin layer of your enamel. This enables your new veneers to sit flush against your gums and to look natural.
After your teeth have been reduced, we will take impressions. This will show the lab technician what your existing tooth structure looks like. They will use this, and the doctor’s specifications for your new veneer size, shape, and shade, to create thin tooth-shaped covers out of dental porcelain. After cleaning the impression material off of your teeth, Dr. Ania may apply temporary veneers for you to wear until your next appointment. These should help minimize the tooth sensitivity you may experience.
At your next appointment, your teeth will be gently cleaned of surface debris. Your porcelain veneers will be applied and examined by you and the doctor. If they are satisfactory, the doctor will apply a liquid bonding agent to the teeth and cure your new tooth-covers into place.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
If you take good care of your veneers via excellent daily oral care and routine dental exams, you may enjoy this cosmetic treatment for 15 to 20 years! When you receive this treatment, our team will offer support and suggestions that will help you maintain your new veneers for many years.
Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?
Occasionally, we will see a patient retain their original veneers for their lifetime. This could be due to several factors. Most of the time, it is necessary to replace veneers at some point. They are not designed to be permanent but may last from a few years to a few decades.
Is Getting Porcelain Veneers Painful?
Since the procedure is minimally-invasive, it is not painful to get porcelain veneers. The only thing we have to do to prepare your teeth for the veneers is remove a thin layer of enamel. We use local anesthetics to minimize any discomfort. If you receive eight or more veneers at a time, your gums may be a bit sore for a few hours, but over-the-counter medications can alleviate the discomfort.
Will Veneers Increase My Risk of Cavities?
Having veneers should not increase your risk of cavities if you take good care of your teeth. It is imperative that you floss your teeth every day as recommended by your dentist. Your veneers do not wrap fully around your teeth, so there are margins in which bacteria may accumulate. Other than these margins, which can be well-maintained with brushing and flossing, your risk of cavities remains the same as it was prior to your treatment. If anything, your risk may decrease due to your diligence with daily oral hygiene.
Schedule Your Porcelain Veneers Consultation In Boulder, CO!
Do not hesitate to dial 303-443-0998 today or fill out our contact form to book your porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. Ania Mohelicki. Our office can help you determine whether you are a candidate for treatment, and can answer any questions you have about the procedure!
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