Porcelain Veneers FAQ
If you’ve set your sights on porcelain veneers and want them for your smile, that’s great! It’s also understandable if you still have a few questions before you sit down with our Portage, MI, cosmetic dentist for a veneers consultation. We want you to be sure of your decision and other options, should veneers not turn out to be the best for your particular goals.
To help clear a few things up in the meantime, here’s a list of answers to common questions patients often ask about the veneers procedure.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Custom-made shells crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, dental veneers are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Depending on what you need, our local cosmetic dentist can use them to correct tooth discoloration, small gaps in between teeth, chipped teeth, or worn enamel.
What Can Dental Veneers Fix?
Porcelain dental veneers can address several cosmetic issues at once. For example, is very much possible when discoloration doesn’t respond to whitening. Patients also may choose to pursue veneers for small teeth, uneven edges, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment. Many people use veneers as part of a full smile makeover.
Should My Teeth Be Healthy Before Getting Veneers?
Yes, teeth and gums need to be healthy before the . Cavities, gum disease, or weakened enamel must be treated by our dentist first. This means that in some cases, additional dental care has to happen across separate appointments before we can proceed with the placement of porcelain veneers. This step helps ensure your results last as long as possible.
What Happens During the Veneers Procedure?
The porcelain veneers process typically takes multiple visits to our Portage, MI, dental office. During the first appointment, our dentist will evaluate your smile, discuss goals, and prepare the teeth in line for veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed at this time to make sure the incoming veneers fit well and are not too bulky. Digital impressions are then taken so your custom dental veneers can be created. Once back from the dental lab, the final veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural?
Yes, veneers are designed to appear like natural teeth thanks to the materials used which give them the ability to reflect light. The color, shape, and size are all custom tailored by our dentist, which helps the veneers blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, porcelain tooth veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help extend their lifespan. Our dentist may recommend wearing a night guard while you sleep if you are prone to grinding or clenching. That way, your results can be preserved for longer.
Do Veneers Require Special Care?
Strictly speaking, porcelain veneers don’t require specialized care. Brushing, flossing, and visiting our dentist on a regular basis are all still recommended. That said, while porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, you do need to care for them as you would natural teeth.
For example, excessive coffee drinking can stain your veneers. Also, using your front teeth to bite down on hard foods such as ice can cause your veneers to chip if you’re not careful. As long as you take good care of your dental veneers, they will last you for years to come.
Schedule a Veneers Consultation
Are you ready to get started with veneers? Our cosmetic dentist in Portage serving Greater Kalamazoo, MI, would be more than happy to speak with you and evaluate your smile. Call Courtside Dental at (269) 327-1011 or contact us online today to request an appointment.