Having a new year come around is a good time to evaluate your goals and wants for the next 365 days. If one of your goals is to smile more and be more confident, Dr. Ania and our team are here for you. If you want to start 2021 off with a smile you can feel confident about, we encourage you to learn more about the possibility of porcelain veneers today.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

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.

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Getting veneers typically requires a few trips to the dentist. You will first need a consultation, the veneers will then need to be made, and then the veneers will be applied. You can have one or all of your teeth done at the same time. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, here is what you can expect: 

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

When you come into your consultation, you’ll let the dentist know exactly what kind of look you are trying to get by using porcelain veneers. From here, the dentist will examine your teeth to make sure you are a good candidate for this procedure and then discuss all what you can expect in full. 

Preparation 

To get ready for veneers, your dentist will need to reshape the tooth surface. You and your dentist will decide if the area being treated needs to be numbed before trimming the enamel. From here, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth being treated. The model will then go to a dental laboratory, and they will make your specific veneer. It can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get these back from the lab, but temporary veneers can be used in this timeframe. 

Bonding

Once your veneers are back from the lab, you will then come in to have them bonded to your teeth. Your dentist will place the veneer on your tooth and examine its fit and color, adjusting it as needed before permanently bonding it to your tooth. A special cement will be applied to the veneer and it will be placed onto your tooth. Your dentist will shine a special light to active the cement, causing it to harden quickly. The final steps will include removing any excess cement, checking your bite and making adjustments as needed. 

Risks and How Long They Last

Dental veneers are made to last for a long time, but that’s only if you take good care of them. Complications and the risks associated with this treatment are rare, however HealthGrades mentions they could include: 

• Allergic reaction to local anesthetic, if used 
• Breakage, cracking, or loss of veneers
• Possible increase in tooth sensitivity due to some enamel being taken away
• Tooth infection
• Staining 

Once your veneers are set into place, the color cannot be altered. Due to this, if you are interested in any whitening or need other restorative work, it’s best to do that before you receive your veneers so the color can be properly matched. 

You can help reduce your risk of developing problems with your veneers by: 

• Not biting or chewing on hard objects that could cause them to break
• Notifying your dentist of any concerns after the procedure such as pain, fever, and difficulty chewing
• Telling your dentist about any allergies or other medical conditions you currently have 

Caring For Your Teeth

Whether or not you have veneers, it’s important to properly care for teeth. You should follow a routine similar to:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes 
• Flossing once a day
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking enough water
• Seeing your dentist every six months 
• Using fluoride, which can be found in a majority of tap water sources or in toothpastes 

You can have treatments and procedures done to help enhance your smile, however, if you’re not caring for your teeth once you go home, you can’t expect those treatments to last. To make the most of veneers, be sure you stick to a strict dental hygiene routine. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

Start 2021 on the right foot by making an appointment with Dr. Ania. Whether you are interested in veneers or have another treatment you’re interested in, our team is here for you in this new year. To make an appointment, call us today at (303)-872-9940.