Ever wonder how celebrities achieve picture-perfect smiles? Perfectly uniform, white teeth are usually achieved using porcelain veneers. Veneers allow patients to determine the exact size, shape, and color they want each tooth to be in order to obtain their ideal smile. Our office provides custom porcelain veneers for patients who are looking to correct the appearance of a few teeth or undergo a complete smile makeover. To learn more or schedule your next visit, please contact us!
How are veneers placed?
The first step in the veneers process involves taking all of the patient's concerns and goals into consideration to design their brand new smile. A small amount of tooth enamel will be removed from the front of each tooth that is receiving a veneer, impressions will be taken to create the custom veneers, and then temporary veneers will be placed while the permanent ones are being made. After a week or two, the temporary veneers will be removed, and the new veneers will be permanently placed. After adjustments are made, your new smile will be complete!
Are veneers permanent?
Tooth enamel needs to be removed from any teeth that are receiving porcelain veneers so that they will appear more natural and not look bulky. Since tooth enamel is the thin outer layer of the tooth that protects the rest of the tooth from decay, a restoration of some kind will always need to cover a tooth that has been prepped for veneers. At Gastonia Family Dentistry, we work with our patients one-on-one to ensure that traditional veneers are the right choice for their smile and that they will be very pleased with the final outcome.
Are veneers expensive?
Veneers are much more of an investment than other cosmetic services like professional teeth whitening. However, teeth whitening treatments typically only last between six and eighteen months before they need to be touched up, while veneers can offer patients perfect smiles that don't need to be altered or repaired for decades. If you need a way to break up the cost of your veneers, our office accepts payment plans through CareCredit®, which can make veneers and other cosmetic treatments more budget-friendly for patients.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are typically made of medical-grade ceramic material that closely resembles natural tooth enamel in terms of color, texture, and translucency. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including discoloration, chipped or cracked teeth, uneven spacing, and minor misalignments. They are bonded to the front of the teeth, effectively transforming their shape, size, and color to create a more aesthetically-pleasing smile.
Will porcelain veneers stain?
One of the advantages of porcelain veneers is that they are highly resistant to staining. The ceramic material used in veneers is non-porous, which means it does not absorb pigments from food, beverages, or tobacco like natural teeth do. It is still recommended that patients maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and avoid excessive consumption of drinks that are known to stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and red wine, to help ensure that their veneers last for many years and remain in great condition.
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Veneers are often recommended for patients who need to restore one or more front teeth and don't want to use a dental crown or bridge. Patients who can't achieve their dream smiles through professional teeth whitening or orthodontics often want to utilize veneers as well. Most patients who have relatively healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for veneers. Interested in learning more about how porcelain veneers can work for your smile? Feel free to schedule a consultation with our team, and we would be more than happy to assist you.