Do you want bright and even teeth? Try porcelain veneers, a permanent cosmetic dental solution. Dr. Elizabeth Duling provides porcelain veneers to Owens Cross Roads, AL patients. Dental veneers cover deep tooth stains, chips, or cracks in the tooth enamel or short, uneven teeth.
Crafted from thin porcelain shells, veneers balance and brighten teeth. They also look and feel like natural teeth and can be color-matched to teeth if only several teeth are receiving treatment. Compared to dental bonding, veneers are a longer-lasting solution that resists staining and decay.
Treatment with Porcelain Veneers
Before treatment, Dr. Duling evaluates the teeth and gums. She will determine if you require restorative or general treatment before veneers. Patients with healthy teeth and gums are the best candidates for cosmetic dentistry.
To begin treatment, Dr. Duling prepares the teeth that will receive the veneers. This is done to ensure that the veneers adhere precisely to the teeth. We want the veneers to lay flat and be flush with the rest of your smile. She will send dental impressions of the teeth to a dental laboratory where the veneers are fabricated. When complete, Dr. Duling will check the color and fit of the veneers. After making final adjustments, she bonds the veneers to the teeth using light and special bonding materials.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Before you leave her office, Dr. Duling will review care instructions for the veneers. You’ll need to keep a disciplined oral healthcare routine for your veneers. Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once. She recommends that patients use soft-bristled toothbrushes and floss gently between the teeth so that they don’t scratch or damage the veneers. Schedule regular bi-annual dental exams and cleanings to ensure your porcelain veneers are at their best.
During your dental exam, we can check your veneers and see if we notice any signs of wear or damage. You may not be able to notice these things on your own. We’ll also check for discoloration. If the color isn’t correct, veneers don’t respond to traditional whitening techniques, so we’ll have to replace the veneer with a new one.
Getting veneers is usually not recommended if you grind and clench their teeth. You have to wear a nightguard if you still get veneers. The pressure of teeth grinding is incredibly harmful to veneers. They’ll likely loosen or pop off if you frequently grind your teeth. Be careful if you’re playing contact sports, too. Get a custom sports mouthguard to protect your restoration and other teeth when playing.
Bad habits like nail biting and certain dietary choices can also risk damaging or chipping your veneers. When eating hard or crunchy foods, avoid biting directly down on them with your veneers. The porcelain is extremely durable, but they aren’t invincible.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are popular because they can treat any cosmetic problem with your smile. When you have discolored teeth, the go-to treatment is professional teeth whitening. However, not all stains respond to this treatment. Porcelain veneers cover the front and sides of your teeth, completely hiding the discoloration. We can color-match them to whatever shade of white you desire so that they blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Since they cover the front and sides of the teeth, veneers can complete a chipped or broken tooth. They can also hide any tooth that’s misshapen or disfigured. Each porcelain veneer is created individually to the specifications that fit your smile best. If you have small gaps between your teeth, a veneer can be crafted to eliminate these gaps and ensure that your smile still looks natural.
As we age, our teeth wear down and are more likely to have cosmetic chips and imperfections. Porcelain veneers can take years off your teeth’ age. They also help boost your confidence and make you more likely to show off your smile.
Veneers are a durable solution that can last up to 15 years or more. They’re stain-resistant and can stay whiter for longer than other cosmetic solutions. They’re easy to get and only take two visits to our dentist office. There’s no pain associated with getting veneers, either. Since they cover the front and sides of your teeth, they can help provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Some patients may have several questions about dental veneers. Some common questions include:
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of your porcelain veneers depends on the material, size, location, and specific treatment goals. During your initial consultation with Dr. Duling, she will examine your teeth and provide information about the cost of your specific treatment.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution. However, they may require repairs or maintenance over time. Routine professional dental care and at-home maintenance lengthen the life of your veneers. On average, porcelain veneers last about 10-15 years before you may need to replace them. You’ll always need some sort of restoration on these teeth because of the preparation process.
Do porcelain veneers damage teeth?
No, dental veneers add structure and shape to the tooth enamel. If patients have severely worn teeth and want veneers, we can add biocompatible material to teeth so that veneers can easily cover them. We prepare the tooth enamel to begin treatment with veneers, but this does not damage the teeth.
Will porcelain veneers affect my speech or bite?
Porcelain veneers usually don’t affect your speech or bite. When they are properly fitted, they blend well with your natural teeth, so you can speak and chew just like you did before. If you feel any discomfort or notice that your bite feels off after getting veneers, talk to our dentist. Sometimes, you may need small adjustments so everything feels right.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
Since the veneer isn’t a biological material, it isn’t susceptible to tooth decay. But your natural teeth are under the veneer and can still get cavities. Your natural tooth supports the veneer, so you must ensure it stays healthy. The veneer can loosen or fall off if your natural tooth structure is compromised.
Can I still use teeth whitening products with porcelain veneers?
You can still use teeth whitening products, but they won’t work on your porcelain veneers. Since veneers are made of a special material, they don’t whiten the same way your natural teeth do. If your veneers start to look dull, talk to our dentist. She might be able to polish them or replace them if needed to keep them looking their best.
How long does it take for my veneers to settle?
After getting veneers, your teeth will feel weird in your mouth. They’ll feel unnatural because they have this new restoration on them. You may also experience some sensitivity. It takes around two weeks for your mouth to adjust to your new veneers. Contact our office if you’re experiencing any pain or sensitivity after this timeframe.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ideal for basically any cosmetic problem you may have. You have to be in good oral health so the veneers have a solid foundation in your mouth. Patients must also be committed to permanent dental restoration on these teeth. Once the tooth is prepared for veneers, it will always require a restoration. If you want something more cost-effective or temporary, we may recommend dental bonding instead.
Receive Dental Veneers Today
Do you want to permanently improve the look of your teeth? Try porcelain veneers for a natural look. Call Dr. Duling at 256.202.4186 for comprehensive treatment. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Duling on our website.