Sandy Springs cosmetic dentist Dr. Brenda Paulen recommends porcelain veneers for various dental health and cosmetic concerns, including uneven teeth, worn enamel, discoloration, chipped teeth, and irregular spacing.
One of the most popular and effective developments in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made casings that cover the front of your teeth. In some cases, veneers can serve a restorative purpose and can protect a damaged tooth from further harm.
Porcelain veneers are permanent, durable, and stain-resistant. With proper oral hygiene and preventive dental care, they can last for up to 20 years.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
While crowns and veneers are very similar types of restoration, there are a few key differences. One of the main differences between crowns and veneers is that a dental crown covers the entire tooth, while a dental veneer only covers the front and sides of a tooth. Veneers are also conservative, requiring much less tooth surface removal and providing a more natural look.
Porcelain veneers can improve the function and health of your teeth and enhance your natural smile. Veneers are used to correct uneven teeth, worn enamel, discoloration, chipped teeth, and irregular spacing, and can last over 20 years.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a popular restoration because they can treat just about every cosmetic concern you may have. For discolored teeth, we color-match them so that they’re the shade of white you desire. They cover the front and sides of your teeth, completely hiding the discoloration from view.
Each porcelain veneer is custom-made to blend perfectly with the size and shape of your natural teeth. Veneers can close small gaps between teeth while still looking natural. They can treat multiple different cosmetic problems at the same time, too. You’ll be able to feel confident in your smile again.
Veneers are stain-resistant and durable, making them an optimal solution to last for the long haul. You don’t have to change your habits because the veneers can take on almost anything. As long as you avoid biting down directly with your veneers on something hard, you can have decent faith in them.
They don’t require any extra maintenance, either. You just have to brush and floss like you would your normal teeth. Because your natural teeth are still under the porcelain, you have to endure that they continue to stay healthy.
The process for porcelain veneers begins with a comprehensive exam and consultation. Dr. Paulen will discuss your goals and will examine your teeth to see if veneers are right for you. In some cases, Dr. Paulen may be able to create temporary veneers, allowing you to “try out” your smile before the final veneers are placed.
The porcelain veneer procedure usually takes two or three visits to the dentist. During the first visit, Dr. Paulen will prepare the teeth for the veneers by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure. This allows the veneers to fit comfortably and stably in your mouth.
She will take digital impressions of your teeth, which will be used to make your custom dental veneers. Dr. Paulen will send an impression of your teeth and treatment specifications to a highly talented ceramist, who will hand-fabricate each tooth veneer. The porcelain veneers will be fabricated in a dental laboratory for about two to three weeks.
In most cases, she will place temporary veneers on the teeth to protect them until the final restorations are ready. It generally takes about three weeks to receive your final restorations.
When they are ready, the lab will ship them back to our office, and we will contact you to schedule your final appointment. At the final appointment, Dr. Paulen will remove the temporary veneers and try the new ones on your teeth. If the fit and color are perfect, she will then cement them to the teeth for a permanent restoration.
Taking Care of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are designed to last a long time, but you must take proper care of them. The better you care for your oral health, the longer your veneers will last. The veneers aren’t susceptible to tooth decay, but the teeth under them still are. The veneers rely on the tooth structure under them. If this is compromised, the veneers can loosen and fall off.
Veneers are stain-resistant, but they can only take so much. If you repeatedly drink coffee or other staining beverages, they can still slowly stain. If you want to keep drinking these beverages, drink them through a straw. This minimizes the amount of contact the staining agents have with the veneers. Veneers don’t respond to traditional whitening techniques, so you must completely replace the stained veneer if it stains.
And just because they’re strong doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. They can still chip and break if there’s enough pressure on them. Don’t bite down directly with your veneers on any crunchy or hard foods. Avoid habits like biting your nails or chewing ice, as these surfaces can be harder than you would think.
You shouldn’t use your veneers or normal teeth as tools. Don’t use them to open up packaging or to take the top off of a bottle. Teeth grinding can be especially harmful to the veneers as well. If you grind your teeth at night, we’ll recommend a mouthguard to protect you from damaging your veneers.
Patients often ask about the cost of veneers or how much a single tooth veneer costs. There are several factors that go into the price of veneers, the first of which is materials. Other factors include the size and location of the tooth as well as the cosmetic goals of treatment. Dr. Paulen offers porcelain veneers and the less expensive alternative, tooth bonding procedure.
Our goal is for your porcelain veneers to last for many years. After several years, it is common to need some minor repair or maintenance. You can ensure long-lasting veneers by maintaining a healthy diet, brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and examination. Resin veneers do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Most patients will need a “touch-up” procedure in about five years or less.
Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and stain-resistant. They also look and feel more like natural teeth than alternatives like lumineers or tooth bonding. Some patients may be hesitant about porcelain veneers because they are an irreversible procedure. If this is a concern you share, Dr. Paulen may suggest you try an alternative procedure like tooth bonding which requires little or no tooth preparation.
