What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?

Most cosmetic dentists agree that porcelain veneers are the foundation for a dramatic smile makeover. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are fitted to the fronts of teeth to perfect the appearance of a patient’s smile. If teeth that are cracked, chipped, discolored, or just plain crooked are detracting from your smile, porcelain veneers can help provide a remarkable transformation. They can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, to provide even more noticeable results.

The Porcelain Veneers Process

Typically, the porcelain veneers process requires two office visits. On the first visit, you will discuss your smile makeover goals with your cosmetic dentist to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. Then, your dentist will gently shave the surface of teeth to be treated to prepare them for veneers. Once the teeth are prepared, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth and send it to a laboratory where your veneers will be custom-fabricated to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

On the second and final visit, your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth and painlessly bond them into place. A quick polish and your smile makeover is complete! Patients often feel no discomfort when their veneers are placed, and can return to their daily activities immediately. With proper care and maintenance, patients can enjoy a brilliant smile with porcelain veneers for years to come!

What to Expect During Your Visit

A complete dental examination typically includes an examination of the mouth’s soft tissue, a periodontal disease screening, and a thorough evaluation of existing cavities, fillings and crowns. The patient’s soft tissue is examined in order to check for potential cancerous or precancerous changes in the gums and surrounding areas, including inside the cheeks, the back of the throat, beneath the tongue and the palate. If a patient is a frequent tobacco user, this may increase the likelihood of oral cancer, and make regular visits to the dentist more of a necessity. Most often during dental exams, dentists will take X-rays to examine the insides of the teeth, to check for the presence of cavities in places that the eye cannot see, and to assess potential bone loss beneath the gum line.

When to Schedule Your Exams

In general, patients should make a trip to the dentist for a routine examination and cleaning every six months, without letting the time between visits extend to more than a year. This allows consistent oral hygiene to be maintained with the removal of plaque and tartar. Any problems with the mouth or teeth can be detected before they become serious, painful, or expensive to correct. Healthy patients may consider making a visit to the dentist annually. This is especially if they find few issues occur. Most dentists recommend simple X-rays be taken annually. If a patient notices problems such as bleeding, soreness, tooth or earaches, for example, then more frequent trips to the dentist should be made.

Other Options to Maximize Your Smile

In addition to regular exams and preventitive care, cosmetic dentistry treatments can further enhance your smile. For example, teeth whitening can create a dramatically brighter smile, while porcelain veneers can provide a remarkable smile makeover. Together, general and cosmetic dentistry treatments can help patients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.