Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, you can now get a beautiful, natural-looking smile with less hassle than ever before. Today’s patients can enjoy a subtle or dramatic smile makeover using advanced cosmetic dentistry treatment options such as porcelain veneers, resulting in natural-looking and lasting outcomes. Dr. Matthew Jenne provides patients in the Garner, North Carolina area with affordable porcelain veneers customized to meet their smiles’ unique needs.
Porcelain Veneers in Garner, NC
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells customized to fit your teeth. They are made to cover the front surface of your teeth and are the ultimate solution to a smile makeover with both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Dentists utilize porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of one specific tooth or a whole arch of teeth. Dr. Jenne may recommend porcelain veneers to resolve a variety of issues, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
Unlike dental implants, patients get to keep their natural teeth underneath their veneers. This means that the procedure for porcelain veneers is less invasive while providing you with the look, feel, and functionality of your natural teeth. They also require less tooth preparation and structure loss than a similar treatment option, dental crowns.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
In addition to the variety of conditions they can treat, porcelain veneers have many other benefits.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain is an ideal material to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. It has a translucent sheen and mimics the texture of teeth very well. Few materials can get this correct enough for it to seem completely natural. This is an especially important quality for patients who are worried about their restoration sticking out in their smile.
Long-Lasting
Porcelain veneers are one of the longest-lasting dental restorations. If you take care of them properly, they can last for the remainder of your lifetime. They can stay as a quality restoration for anywhere from 10 to 20 or more years. Many other treatment options require frequent touchups to ensure they stay looking good.
Stain-Resistant
Veneers are incredibly stain-resistant. They hold up to habits like coffee drinking. Veneers are a good investment that you can rely on for years.
Functional Benefits
Not only do they make your smile look better, but they provide functional benefits, too. A veneer is a durable layer that is not susceptible to decay because it is not natural tooth structure. If you are suffering from enamel erosion, a veneer protects your tooth from further damage. It also strengthens teeth that are worn down or weakened due to age or other conditions.
Porcelain Veneers Process at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
You should expect two or three visits to our office throughout the porcelain veneer process for consultation, tooth preparation, and veneer bonding.
1. Comprehensive Consultation
Your veneer journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jenne. He will take time to listen to your goals and understand what you want your smile to look like. He will examine your teeth and gums to make sure you are a good candidate for veneers. He will also answer any questions you have about the process, timeline, and cost.
2. Customized Treatment Planning
Once you decide to move forward, Dr. Jenne will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. He will take digital images of your teeth to show you a preview of your new smile. This helps you see what your results will look like before treatment even begins.
3. Gentle Tooth Preparation
At your next visit, Dr. Jenne will gently prepare your teeth for the veneers. He will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of each tooth that will receive a veneer. This step is necessary to make room for the veneers so they fit comfortably and look natural. You will be given local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during this part of the process.
4. Digital Impressions
After your teeth are prepared, we will take precise digital impressions of your mouth. These images are sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers will be handcrafted to fit your smile perfectly.
5. Temporary Veneers
While your permanent veneers are being made, Dr. Jenne may place temporary veneers on your teeth. These temporary restorations will protect your teeth and give you an idea of what your new smile will look like. They are made of a tooth-colored material and will stay in place for about two to three weeks.
6. Final Placement
Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will return to our office for your final appointment. Dr. Jenne will remove your temporary veneers and clean your teeth. He will carefully place your custom veneers to check the fit, color, and shape.
Dr. Jenne will make small adjustments to ensure they feel natural and comfortable. Then he will bond them securely in place.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers can treat almost any cosmetic dental problem. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
Veneers are strong; however, they can break under pressure. Broken veneers are not common, but cracks and breaks are possible. Avoid biting down directly with your veneers, especially on hard or sticky food. You should also avoid trying to open packages or anything with your veneers.
Do porcelain veneers ruin your natural teeth?
No, veneers go over your natural teeth. We do remove minimal natural tooth structure so that the veneers lay flat with the rest of your teeth. This keeps your smile looking even and natural. Otherwise, veneers don’t impact your natural teeth and can even fortify them against enamel erosion and other problems.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Their life varies based on placement, oral care, and diet. If you maintain your oral health properly, veneers can last a lifetime. Poor oral care makes veneers more likely to break or fall off.
What can you not do with porcelain veneers?
Avoid habits like chewing ice or pens, as these increase the likelihood of damaging veneers. This is true of biting down on hard or sticky foods with your veneers. While porcelain is stain-resistant, dark foods and drinks like coffee or strawberries can still stain your teeth over time.
Can teeth rot under veneers?
Yes, teeth can develop decay under veneers. The veneer itself cannot decay, but your natural tooth underneath is still living tissue. Bacteria can get in if the veneer is not sealed properly or if you do not brush or floss properly. Plaque can build up along the edges of the veneer and cause a cavity.
That is why it is important to brush and floss regularly, even with veneers.
How do you clean teeth under veneers?
You can brush and floss your teeth with veneers as you normally would. Use toothbrushes that have soft bristles and toothpaste that’s non-abrasive. Harder bristles and toothpaste ingredients like activated charcoal can scratch and damage your veneers.
Transform Your Smile with Veneers
If you are ready to achieve the smile you have always wanted, we are here to help. Dr. Jenne will listen to your goals, evaluate your smile, and create a personalized plan just for you.
Call us today at 919.238.3470 or request an appointment online. We are located in Garner, NC, and proudly serve patients from surrounding communities.