Do you hide your teeth when you laugh or smile? If you are too embarrassed to show your smile around other people, cosmetic dental care can help. Porcelain veneers are shells of tooth-colored porcelain ceramic covering the front teeth. Veneers can fix cosmetic issues in the smile line or the teeth that show when you smile. At Hebron Family Dental, we provide cosmetic dental treatment with porcelain veneers in Carrollton, TX.
Who Benefits from Porcelain Veneers?
If you want to enhance the look of your teeth, veneers can be the right treatment for you. Dental veneers can cover multiple cosmetic problems, including:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Black triangles
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Short teeth
- Misshappen teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Cracked teeth
Dentists may use zirconium, composite resin, or porcelain materials to create dental veneers. Our office provides porcelain veneers because they offer many benefits to our patients:
- Natural look
- Easy maintenance
- Stain-resistance
- Durability
Porcelain veneers are tooth coverings that can change tooth shape, size, and shade. Similar to natural teeth, veneers appear translucent. Their translucent look helps veneers blend into the smile. Veneers are also custom-made to fit your goals.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Patients must have enough natural tooth structure to be candidates for veneers. Veneers require this structure for tooth preparation. During tooth preparation, we remove a small portion of the natural tooth. Preparation ensures that the veneers fit comfortably and do not look bulky.
However, patients who receive veneers must be committed to covering their teeth. We cannot reverse the tooth preparation process. Good candidates for veneers want to cover their cosmetic imperfections permanently.
In addition, patients must generally be in good oral health before cosmetic dental treatments. We provide general and restorative treatments to remove decay, address gum disease, and address other common dental problems.
Our office will not recommend dental veneers for patients who clench and grind their teeth. Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a common sign of TMJ disorders. Continual teeth clenching and grinding can damage and loosen the veneers.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure in Carrollton, TX
You can get veneers in several visits to our dental office. The steps to getting veneers includes:
Tooth Preparation
To begin veneer treatment, our dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during treatment. Our dentist will color-match the teeth to ensure that single veneers match the surrounding natural teeth. Color-matching also ensures that full sets of veneers match one another.
Then, our dentist will prepare the teeth and take dental impressions of the prepared teeth are sent to a dental lab. Lab technicians use these dental impressions as a blueprint to create the veneers. Technicians follow the natural contour of your teeth and create the veneers with high-quality, reflective porcelain.
Temporary Veneers
You will receive temporary veneers as the dental lab creates your permanent veneers to help protect your teeth. We place temporary veneers over your teeth to protect them during the waiting period, which can take a couple of weeks. Temporary veneers help maintain your smile’s appearance and provide a protective barrier for your teeth.
However, because these veneers are temporary, the adhesive is not as strong as the adhesive for your final veneers. While you wear these veneers, avoid biting into hard foods like apples, carrots, or ice, which can crack or damage the veneers. Stay away from sticky or chewy foods like gum, caramel, or toffee, as they can pull the temporary veneers off your teeth. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible to avoid putting pressure on the temporary veneers. You can also cut your food into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of damaging or loosening the veneers.
Final Veneers
Once the final veneers are complete, you will return to our office. Then, our dentist will double-check the color and shape of the veneers on your teeth. When our dentist determines the veneers are a perfect match, they will place them with composite.
A full set of veneers typically consists of six to eight teeth. Veneers only cover the teeth that show when you smile. Whether you need a single veneer or a full set, we can help provide the right amount of veneers for you.
How to Care For Dental Veneers
Directly after you receive your veneers, you should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. While dental veneers are durable, it will take time to get used to them right after treatment. You can eat softer foods right after veneer treatment. Then, you can gradually introduce crunchier foods over time.
Veneers are stain-resistant. However, continual tobacco use can stain the composite that adheres veneers to the teeth. Foods and drinks can also lead to discoloration.
You can brush and floss your veneers just like natural teeth. The best toothpaste for porcelain veneers is non-abrasive toothpaste. Many whitening toothpastes can contain abrasive materials that may scratch the veneers’ surface. When brushing, gently brush in circular motions. Remember to floss before brushing your veneers to remove leftover food and bacteria from your mouth.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about dental veneers with answers to these commonly asked patient questions:
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last ten to fifteen years. To ensure veneers last, gently brush and floss your veneers, teeth, and gums daily. Visit our office every six months for routine exams and dental cleanings. We will also examine your veneers at these visits so they stay in great shape.
How much are dental veneers?
The size, material, location, and number of veneers contribute to cost. During a consultation in our office, we will discuss your cosmetic goals and examine your mouth to determine how many veneers you need. Porcelain veneers may cost more than other veneers, including composite veneers. However, porcelain veneers are more durable and last longer than composite veneers.
Can you get infections under dental veneers?
If you have damaged or old veneers, you can experience dental infections. In addition, if a dentist improperly installs your veneers, you can experience tooth decay. Please get in touch with our office if you notice changes in the fit of your veneers. It’s not normal for your veneers to feel uncomfortable; you may have a dental infection.
Can veneers fall off easily?
Your dental veneers should not fall off of your teeth. However, if a dentist does not place the veneers properly, they can pop off the teeth. Veneers can also loosen if you clench or grind your teeth or sustain damage to your veneers. Otherwise, if you care for your veneers, it will be difficult for them to loosen.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Do you want to permanently cover stained or damaged teeth? Contact Hebron Family Dental in Carrollton, TX, for porcelain veneers at 972-236-5871. You can also request a dental appointment on our website.
If you have questions about veneers or your candidacy for veneer treatment, let us know at your next visit. We will find the right cosmetic treatment for you.