Facts About Porcelain Veneers You Should Know

Have you ever wondered how your favorite celebrities have such perfect teeth? While some of these stars are genetically blessed with perfectly aligned pearly whites, others went to the dentist to get porcelain veneers in Denver. If you’re looking and get the same bright Hollywood smile they have, you’ll want to know more about this cosmetic dental solution.

What You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

What Exactly Are They?

Cosmetic dentists bond porcelain veneers permanently to the front surface of a tooth to conceal any damage or improve a smile’s color and alignment. Moreover, they can be less invasive than placing a dental crown that covers an entire tooth.

How Do They Work?

When the dentist places these custom-made, wafer-thin shells on your teeth, they’ll provide a realistic and natural look. Besides matching the shape, size, and exact shade of whiteness that looks best with your complexion, the porcelain material is designed to have the same translucent quality as natural teeth.  

What Are Their Benefits?

• They Correct Unwanted Dental Imperfections

As far as appearance goes, the most important teeth anyone has are those in their smile zone. These teeth stand out awkwardly if they have gaps between them or are stained, discolored, chipped, broken, misshapen, small, or slightly crooked. If any of these minor cosmetic or orthodontic issues make your smile zone look less-than-pleasant, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers.

• They Whiten Teeth Immediately

While professional teeth whitening treatments may be the best option for most common teeth stains, they only work for those that develop outside the teeth's surfaces. During treatment, the dentist applies a topical bleaching agent to break up and eliminate stains from the tooth enamel and brighten the tooth underneath it.

However, if stain-causing particles manage to work their way through your teeth's outer layer and accumulate within the enamel, the bleaching agent won't be able to whiten your smile. If you require a more substantial correction than what teeth whitening can offer, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. These tooth-colored porcelain shells conceal and protect the front portion of severely stained or yellowed teeth.

• They Protect Your Teeth

Your tooth enamel plays a crucial role in your teeth’s function and longevity. Although this hard, protective layer is stronger and more resilient than the bones in your body, it can wear down over time and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay, discoloration, and other oral health conditions.

If you’re dealing with damaged tooth enamel, porcelain veneers offer a solution by providing an extra layer of protective coating to your teeth. Besides restoring their appearance, this dental solution can also bring back your teeth’s natural strength.

• They’re Highly Resistant to Stains

Did you know that porcelain veneers eliminate the need for periodic whitening treatments? Unlike natural teeth, they don’t have pores that make them vulnerable to staining. In addition, they’re impervious to tooth decay and cavities. You can comfortably enjoy your cup of coffee or glass of wine without worrying about stains on your smile zone.

• They Don’t Require Special Care

Porcelain veneers don't require special maintenance and care other than regular flossing, brushing, and visits to the dentist. If you want to make the most out of your investment, it's best to schedule professional dental cleanings twice a year.

• They’re Durable

Since porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to teeth, they’re not a temporary fix. Practicing an excellent oral hygiene routine and ensuring regular dental visits allows you to enjoy a white, bright, and beautiful smile for decades. Most patients with porcelain veneers even forget they have them.

What Should I Expect While Getting Them?

Receiving porcelain veneers typically involves a multi-step procedure that occurs over two to three visits and a few weeks. The entire process begins with a dental checkup and consultation. During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate your smile to see if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Next, they’ll discuss your customized treatment plan for moving ahead. Your dentist may need to place dental fillings on one or several teeth before applying porcelain veneers.  

They’ll prepare your teeth for the professional veneers by shaving a thin layer of the enamel to ensure your veneers fit snuggly and smoothly over your teeth. Unlike dental crowns that require approximately 2 mm or more of enamel to be shaved off, your dentist will only file off around 0.5 to 1 mm of your tooth enamel for your porcelain veneers.

Once your teeth are prepped and ready, they’ll apply a light-sensitive resin and harden it with a special curing light to set your porcelain veneers in place. After polishing and making final adjustments, your brand-new smile is ready to go.

What Makes a Person a Bad Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

• Extensive Tooth Decay

Dentists can’t apply porcelain veneers to decayed teeth. If you have tooth decay, you’ll want to talk to your dental care provider about possible treatment options before getting porcelain veneers.

• Gum Disease

Periodontal conditions, such as mild gum disease (gingivitis) or advanced gum disease (periodontitis), can weaken the veneers and shorten their lifespan. Since you can't have them unless your gums are healthy, it's best to get treatment and improve your oral health routine before getting porcelain veneers.

• Bad Habits

Porcelain veneers aren't ideal for patients with bruxism, a condition involving involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. Likewise, nail-biting and chewing non-food items like pens and straws can significantly wear down the veneers.  

• The Severity of the Case

As mentioned, porcelain veneers can conceal a number of cosmetic issues with teeth. However, severe issues such as deep overbites or underbites, severe crowding, and missing teeth, will require more than what dental veneers can offer.

Do You Want to Learn More About Porcelain Veneers in Denver?

At Makowski Dental, we want nothing more than to help you achieve your best smile. Our team of skilled dental professionals is committed to providing the highest quality care in a safe and comfortable environment.  

Moreover, we use state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology to resolve your oral health issues quickly and efficiently. As a boutique dental office, you can count on us to give you 100% of our time, effort, and attention. Whether you’re looking to reinvent your smile with porcelain veneers, or need more information about this treatment, get in touch with us today to make an appointment.