The treatment options for addressing cosmetic dentistry concerns impacting the appearance and health of your smile have improved dramatically in recent years as materials and techniques have changed and evolved. Today’s patients can enjoy a subtle or dramatic smile makeover using advanced 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.
Porcelain Veneers Process at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Jenne will consult with you on what you want to improve about your smile with your custom veneers. Afterward, your teeth will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that porcelain veneers are the best option to meet your needs. You should expect two or three visits to our office throughout the porcelain veneer process for consultation, tooth preparation, and veneer bonding.
To prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers, Dr. Jenne removes a small amount of the tooth surface to fit securely without bulging or interfering with your natural bite. Your existing tooth will be etched to ensure a firm bond between your tooth and the veneer.
This part of the process makes your new veneers a permanent dental restoration. Next, Dr. Jenne takes dental impressions of your teeth to send to our labs, creating the porcelain veneers. In the meantime, temporary veneers are placed on your teeth until the custom veneers are ready to be bonded.
The last step in the veneer process is the bonding or the permanent securing of the veneer(s) to your teeth. Dr. Wingate places the veneer onto your tooth using special cement and ultraviolet light to permanently solve your cosmetic and restorative needs.
It’s important to note that porcelain veneers may come off or chip under certain circumstances. If this happens, make sure to recover the veneer if possible. Bring it to your next appointment, and Dr. Jenne will determine how to proceed. Depending on the condition of the veneer, she may be able to reattach or repair it. However, if the veneer is unrecoverable, she can also have another one made for you to replace.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
In addition to the variety of conditions they can treat, porcelain veneers have many other benefits. Porcelain is an ideal material to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. It’s got a translucent sheen to it and it 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 that are worried about their restoration sticking out in their smile.
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 10-30 years. Many other treatment options require frequent touchups to ensure they stay looking good. They’re incredibly stain-resistant, meaning they hold up to habits like coffee drinking. Veneers are a good investment that you can rely on for years to come.
Not only do they make your smile look better, but they provide functional benefits, too. A veneer is a durable layer that isn’t susceptible to decay and other things because it isn’t natural tooth structure. If you’re 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 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?
No, your teeth shouldn’t rot under veneers. Since veneers aren’t living tissue, they aren’t susceptible to tooth decay or rotting. However, it’s important to remember that you still have natural tooth structure under the veneers. They require a strong foundation to work properly. Brush and floss as you normally would, keeping the teeth under your veneers healthy. If they start to decay, the veneers can loosen and fall off.
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.