A smile speaks a thousand words. However, stained, chipped teeth and gaps can easily take away your confidence to smile, even around those you love. These are common dental problems that luckily, porcelain veneers can often fix!
While customized, they provide many benefits, it is important to first take the health of your teeth and gums into consideration. Your oral health should be your top priority. Once that’s under control, they are a great choice.
Like any cosmetic treatment, there are several pros and cons. Learning as much as you can about the procedure will help you decide if they are right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
In simple terms, porcelain veneers are custom-made thin shells that fit perfectly over your individual teeth. As the name suggests, these are made with natural porcelain and attach over specific teeth that need caps to enhance their appearance.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution for imperfect teeth. You can cover just 1 or 2 teeth that need a little extra TLC or opt for porcelain veneers on all your teeth.
These dental veneers can help improve crookedness, tooth discoloration (tetracycline staining), cosmetic staining, and/or modify the shape and size of the treated teeth.
Thanks to the permanent bonding over your natural teeth, porcelain veneers do not fall out and will have long-lasting positive effects. They brighten your teeth, correct minor alignment or tooth gaps, and help you smile with confidence.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure and Recovery
You will need 2 to 3 treatment sessions for your porcelain veneers procedure. Our dentists take care of all the steps to ensure that you have a painless, safe, and successful veneer session.
On the first day, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your target tooth or teeth. This is done to make sufficient room and spacing for the porcelain veneers. Next, the doctor takes an impression of your mouth and teeth to have the customized caps made.
At the second appointment, the dentist will use a special cement to seal the porcelain veneer over your tooth. Next, a concentrated light beam helps seal the cement for a perfect fit. The last step is to check that you have maintained your natural bite.
Patients usually receive numbing medication before the procedure. This reduces discomfort during the session.
There might be some soreness and discomfort once the numbness recedes. The doctor may prescribe some pain medication if necessary and will provide aftercare tips to help you adjust to your veneers.
Post-procedure, try opting for softer foods. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can be a problem as your teeth recover from the procedure.
A few habits to let go of altogether after getting veneers are nail-biting, opening bottles with your teeth, chewing straws, using your teeth to open packets, etc. Avoiding these habits can help maintain your porcelain veneers for the next 15 to 30 years or even longer.
The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution, so you should take your time before deciding if they are right for you. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of this popular dental procedure:
Pros
Veneers Whiten Your Teeth and Won’t Stain
There are many reasons teeth become stained. Your overall care and maintenance play an important role. If you frequently eat highly pigmented foods (like red wine or beets), smoke, or drink coffee in excess, you can stain your teeth in the long run.
Unlike other temporary solutions, porcelain veneers can take care of this issue once and for all. Stained teeth can make you feel less confident while smiling. Veneers will not become stained and can fit perfectly over your teeth to make them look cleaner and shiner for many years.
Veneers can improve and enhance your natural smile, giving you the confidence to laugh and speak without worrying about your appearance.
Porcelain Veneers are Durable
Porcelain veneers have a stronger bond than traditional dental crowns. At Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, our dentists use a special cement to make sure the porcelain veneers fit perfectly over your existing tooth or teeth.
After making the closest possible fit, the dentist uses a concentrated light beam to warm and seal the cement in place. It creates a permanent bond.
You can use teeth modified by veneers to eat, drink, smile, and talk normally. Our dentists will ensure that you maintain your natural bite after the procedure.
They Feel Realistic and Look Natural
One of the best things about porcelain veneers is how they look and feel. Porcelain is translucent and can mimic your teeth almost perfectly. Our dentists use porcelain that is close to your natural tooth color so that the capped teeth blend with the others.
Porcelain Veneers are Long Lasting (With Proper Care)
One thing to remember after getting veneers is that they do require some easy upkeep. It is crucial to brush, floss, and clean your teeth as usual after your veneer procedure.
You will also need to visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Maintaining your dental health can help your veneers last 15 to 30 years or even longer.
Porcelain Veneers Improve Your Smile
Porcelain caps can resolve minor dental issues like misalignment and gaps between your teeth and whiten their appearance in no time. They are not as invasive as crowns and require minimal enamel removal to fit perfectly.
Veneers are thin and do not look or feel bulky over your teeth. They improve your smile by hiding cosmetic problems and boosting your confidence. You can enjoy straighter, brighter, naturally beautiful teeth and smile to your heart’s content.
Cons
Tooth Sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, it is best to take the doctor’s advice before proceeding. Porcelain veneers need only minimal enamel removal from the teeth to help the cap sit perfectly. However, if the tools get close to the nerves in your teeth, the process can increase tooth sensitivity.
The procedure takes two to three appointments, with the enamel removal on day 1. There is a day’s gap between the veneer placement and the enamel removal when your teeth will stay sensitive to hot and cold drinks. Talking to your doctor beforehand can help you plan and prepare.
The Procedure is Permanent and Non-Reversible
Part of the enamel covering the teeth will be removed to make room for your veneers. This means that the porcelain caps will be responsible for replacing the enamel that was removed. Opting for removal in a few years might not be advisable as your teeth will be much more susceptible to damage without the veneers protecting them.
Remember that once you have your porcelain veneers, they are permanent. You can, of course, replace them after 15 to 30 years or if they become damaged.
Porcelain Veneers Can Get Damaged
Veneers are strong, but they can be damaged by certain habits and activities. These include opening bottle caps with your teeth, eating extremely hard or sticky foods, crushing ice cubes with your teeth, etc.
If you chip your veneers or crack them, they are not repairable. You will have to replace them at an additional cost. If you grind your teeth while sleeping and opt for porcelain veneers, ask your dentist about using a mouthguard at night.
They Can Look Too Perfect
If your porcelain veneers look too perfect, they can seem a bit fake. The doctor might create a few tiny imperfections for a more natural appearance.
Shorter Lifespan than Dental Crowns
When it comes to different types of dental restorations, porcelain veneers have a shorter lifespan than dental crowns. However, crowning needs more enamel removal than porcelain veneers and is usually more invasive.
Are You the Right Candidate?
Porcelain veneers aren’t right for everyone. With that said, you might be a good candidate for the procedure if:
- You consistently stick to daily oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing)
- You are an adult with a fully developed set of teeth
- There are no remaining gum disease or tooth decay issues
- You visit a dentist regularly to maintain your oral health
Not sure if you’re a candidate? Your consultation with our skilled cosmetic dentists will help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
Cost
Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can help you get the best porcelain veneers at an affordable rate. The cost can vary due to patients’ differing needs, the number of caps, etc. The fees usually fall between $950 and $2000 per tooth. Financing options may be available.
Learn More At Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Houston
Do you live in Houston and want to learn more about getting porcelain veneers placed over chipped or stained teeth? Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 713-766-1493 to make an appointment with Dr. Roberto Velasco. Their experience and thorough understanding of dental issues can help keep your dental problems at bay
