How to Restore and Enhance Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers
Many people feel embarrassed to show off their smile because they are self-conscious about how their teeth appear. In fact, smiling when your teeth are chipped or discolored can even affect you emotionally. Porcelain veneers are a very popular, simple, and long-lasting way to enhance your smile and overall appearance. This customized cosmetic dental procedure consists of wafer-thin porcelain that covers your existing teeth. The veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth and can cover permanent stains as well as alter the color, shape, size, alignment, and even the spacing of your natural teeth.
The cosmetic dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX feature the skill and expertise needed to restore your smile. Their astute attention to detail provides patients with long-term results that they are happy to show off. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and are considering porcelain veneers, read below to learn how this easy dental solution may be the right choice for you.
What issues can veneers fix?
For Houston area men and women with teeth that are discolored, chipped, or misshapen, veneers can be a great solution. They are also a viable solution for bridging small gaps between teeth. Another reason why some patients seek veneers is to address smaller than usual teeth, also known as microdontia, which can negatively affect their smile. Thin, porcelain shells are created and attached to the front of the teeth dramatically changing the appearance of your smile. Stain-resistant and durable, porcelain veneers resemble many qualities of your natural teeth.
Taking the first step
The first step towards your newly enhanced smile begins with a consultation at the Houston, TX office of Cosmetic Dental Associates. Our dentists will review the benefits of porcelain veneers and explain the procedure, including any limitations. During this time, it is important to talk openly, ask questions, and discuss your goals so reasonable expectations are addressed. Following an examination of your mouth, including dental impressions, and possibly x-rays, our dentist will be able to determine if you are a potential candidate.
Further investigation of the characteristics and proportions of your teeth and mouth, as well as the health of your gums, are all considered and treated first before the treatment. Poor candidates for this procedure include men and women who grind or clench their teeth. This action may damage the porcelain, causing it to chip and crack. During the process of applying porcelain veneers, some tooth enamel is removed in order to fit the veneer on top of the existing tooth. It is essential to keep in mind that the procedure, as well as the color, is irreversible once bonded.
What is involved?
Typically, the entire process is usually completed in three separate dentist visits. After the consultation, or planning stage, our dentist will buff your teeth to create a small, thin space where your veneers are placed. Next, digital impressions and photographs are made and then sent to a laboratory for custom fabrication. Once the veneers are ready, Houston-area patients return to the office to have their veneers permanently bonded to their teeth. With proper hygiene and care, veneers can last for up to 20 years.
What’s next post-treatment?
Directly after bonding, it is not uncommon to experience some temperature sensitivity due to the removal of enamel from your natural teeth. Within a few weeks, this sensitivity should lessen. Patients should return to the Houston office of Cosmetic Dental Associates about a week after their veneers are placed to make sure the mouth is responding well to them.
Caring for your porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers should be cared for just like your natural teeth. Proper care includes maintaining your daily brushing, flossing, and use of antiseptic mouthwash in order to maintain good oral health. Schedule and attend routine dental exams and cleanings to reduce the buildup of plaque and keep your teeth polished. Avoid chewing on foods such as ice and hard candy, as doing so can damage our veneers. Although your veneers are stain-resistant, your dentist may recommend avoiding stain-causing food and drinks like coffee or tea. With proper care, your dental veneers can last a very long time.
Men and women are often seeking ways to enhance their smiles. If you do not feel comfortable with the way your teeth look when you smile, porcelain veneers can help. This easy dental procedure can vastly improve how you feel on the inside and make your smile contagious. The cosmetic dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX understand your goals and will develop a customized plan for your new smile. If you are interested in porcelain veneers, give us a call today to schedule your consultation.