Do you wish you had a different smile? Crooked teeth, gaps and discolorations can detract from the beauty of your smile and make you self-conscious in social situations. Porcelain veneers can give your smile a makeover and help you achieve a new smile in just a few visits to a cosmetic dentist. But is this a good option for you?
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Unlike orthodontics or other repairs to teeth that can improve your smile, porcelain veneers do not change your teeth. Instead, porcelain shells are used to cover dental flaws. These thin shields of porcelain are attached to the front and sides of your teeth, creating a new smile over your existing teeth. This procedure can be completed in as little as 2-3 visits to the dentist, within a few weeks. Here are some of the issues that can be covered with porcelain veneers:
- Gaps or crooked teeth. Instead of extensive orthodontic treatments to fix gaps or crooked teeth, porcelain veneers can hide these issues. The thin shells of porcelain fit together over teeth and create a facade that portrays perfectly straight, side-by-side teeth for a gorgeous smile without braces or orthodontic aligners that can take months to complete their work.
- Discolorations. Some discolorations or stains are resistant to whitening, leaving dark spots or yellow teeth. Porcelain veneers cover these discolorations; plus, porcelain is more resistant to stains than your original tooth enamel, helping you keep a radiant, white smile for years to come.
- Short, long or misshapen teeth. Porcelain veneers can change the shape of your teeth and improve your smile. The dental veneers are designed to create a perfect smile, even if your teeth show too much gum or are uneven across the top.
Good Candidates for Dental Veneers
If you have any of the above dental flaws, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. However, the procedure does require a few qualifications. First, a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed to adhere the porcelain in place. Your dentist will need to examine your teeth to ensure that you have enough enamel to make this procedure safe for your oral health.
Second, it is important to understand that porcelain veneers do not correct oral health issues. It is still very important to maintain excellent oral hygiene and dental health. You will need to continue having regular checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health.
Third, porcelain veneers are an elective, cosmetic procedure. Dental insurance does not cover most cosmetic procedures, so this is an out-of-pocket expense. However, the benefits can outweigh the costs for many people; your appearance is important to your self-confidence.
At Mission Bend Family Dentistry, we want to help you have a beautiful, healthy smile. We offer general dental care to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums and cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers to enhance the beauty of your smile. Call us today to schedule your consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers.