Porcelain Veneers: A Great Way To Change Your Smile

What are Veneers?

They are custom made thin colored shells that cover the teeth for a natural shiny look. Our dentist bond the veneers to the tooth’s surface to change the color, shape, and size.

When Are They Used?

Our dentist in Plano, TX, use veneers to treat different cosmetic concerns such as:

• Discolored teeth. Teeth may be stained by drugs, colored drinks, or foods. Veneers come in handy to cover your natural teeth, making them look white and natural.
• You have worn down teeth. Suppose you have worn down teeth because of grinding or an accident. Veneers will correct this and restore the normal functions of your teeth.
• Broken teeth. If you fall or bite something hard, your tooth may chip or break. We use a dental veneer to correct the broken teeth making them whole again.
• Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth, the thin shells straighten your teeth.
• Teeth with gaps between them. The porcelain veneers close the gaps between the teeth.

How Are They Fixed?

You will make a few trips to our dental clinic for our dental team to place them. During the 1st dental visit, we will do a dental exam to confirm you are the right candidate for dental veneers.

If we confirm we can place veneers, our dentist prepares your teeth. The dentist reshapes the enamel to make room for veneers. If necessary, we will take x rays and make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Next, our dental team sends the tooth’s impression to the dental laboratory to prepare the veneers. As we wait for the veneers, the dentist will fix temporary dental veneers. We will wait for two to three weeks for the restoration to come back from the laboratory.

Once we receive the porcelain veneers, the dentist will place the tooth’s restoration to test its fit and color. If the fit isn’t accurate, the veneer is trimmed, and the process is repeated until we get the desired fit before cementing it permanently.

Next, our dentist prepares the teeth receiving the veneers by cleaning, polishing, and etching the teeth. Etching roughens the tooth surface to prepare the teeth for firmer bonding. Our dental team applies an adhesive to the veneer and places it on the teeth. Once it’s in the desired place, we use a special light to quickly and firmly harden the shell.

Finally, our dentist removes excess cement (adhesive), checks the bite, and makes any necessary adjustments.

You will return to SS Dental for a follow-up visit after a couple of weeks. During the visit, we will check your gums and the placed veneer.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?

You will enjoy the following benefits from porcelain veneers:

• Natural tooth appearance
• Your gums will withstand the porcelain well.
• It’s difficult to stain the veneers.
• You can choose a color that resembles your natural tooth color or the shade of your choice.
• They are permanent and long-lasting.

You may experience the following risks associated with veneers:

• The process is final, and it can’t be redone. Once the enamel is reshaped, it does not grow back.
• If they chip or break, it isn’t easy to repair them.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold substances since the enamel has been removed.

How to care for veneers?

Dental Veneers may last between 10 to 15 years. However, how long they last will depend on how well you take care of them. Follow the following precautions to lengthen their life span:

Brush and floss twice a day.

• Avoid chewing hard foods.
• Don’t chew with your front teeth, but use your back teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard if you are a lover of sports.
• Use a retainer if you clench your teeth (this protects your veneers).

Schedule an Appointment

After the application of veneers, you may feel discomfort and soreness. The veneers may also feel rough because of the extra cement. This will change as you get used to the veneers. Visit SS Dental today for more information on dental veneers or any dental need.