Dental veneers are a popular choice for a smile makeover. One of our dentists will place a thin porcelain cover over your tooth to enhance its shape and appearance. Teeth veneers are also very easy to replace and not easily stained.
If you want a brighter, whiter smile, you are in luck! Our Ardmore and Madill, OK dental offices offer porcelain veneers to improve the smile’s aesthetics. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment we provide to our patients in Southern Oklahoma.
Porcelain Veneers in Southern Oklahoma
Veneers are custom porcelain covers that fit over your teeth to improve your smile. The purpose of a dental veneer is to create a new outer layer of the tooth to restore its look and conceal any imperfections. We can address one or all of the teeth in your smile line.
A porcelain veneer is very thin and custom-designed for the tooth, so your dentist will apply it. They are porcelain because this material mimics the translucency and texture of natural teeth. The procedure requires minimal enamel removal, making it a conservative yet transformative cosmetic dentistry option.
What Type of Problems Do Porcelain Veneers Correct?
Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment. Your Storts Family Dentistry dentist can address various aesthetic issues and enhance the overall appearance of your teeth. One of our dentists will assess your teeth to determine if they are the appropriate treatment for you and your cosmetic goals. Common problems porcelain veneers can correct include:
1. Discolored Teeth
One of the most common reasons people choose porcelain veneers is to address tooth discoloration. Stains from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, or certain medications can make teeth look dull or yellow. Sometimes, professional teeth whitening treatments cannot remove deep or intrinsic stains. Veneers cover these imperfections completely, giving you a bright, even smile.
2. Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Porcelain veneers can restore the appearance of chipped or cracked teeth. Damage from biting hard foods, accidents, or teeth grinding can leave teeth looking uneven or worn down. Veneers act as a shield, covering the damaged areas and providing additional strength to the tooth. This restores a smooth, natural look and helps protect the tooth from further harm.
3. Gaps Between Teeth
If you have noticeable gaps between your teeth, porcelain veneers can close them without braces or orthodontics. By customizing the size and shape of each veneer, a dentist can create the appearance of evenly spaced teeth. This approach is faster and more convenient than traditional orthodontic treatments for minor spacing issues.
4. Uneven or Misshapen Teeth
Some teeth may naturally grow in unevenly or have irregular shapes. For example, you might have one tooth that is smaller or shorter than the others. Porcelain veneers reshape and resize these teeth, creating a more symmetrical and harmonious smile. The result is a natural-looking improvement that enhances your overall appearance.
5. Worn-Down Teeth
Years of teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down the enamel and shorten teeth over time. Worn-down teeth can affect your bite and make your smile look aged. Porcelain veneers restore teeth’s length and shape, improving aesthetics and functionality. They also add a layer of protection to prevent further wear.
6. Mild Misalignment
For individuals with slightly crooked or uneven teeth, porcelain veneers can create the illusion of perfect alignment. Veneers aren’t for severe misalignment, but they can beautifully correct minor spacing or overlapping issues. This provides a faster and less invasive alternative to braces or clear aligners.
7. Enamel Damage
The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, can erode due to acidic foods, beverages, or improper oral care. Once lost, enamel does not grow back, leaving teeth vulnerable to sensitivity and damage. Porcelain veneers can replace the lost enamel and shield the tooth underneath, offering both protection and a renewed appearance.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The porcelain veneer process will involve several steps and span several appointments. You must visit the office for a consultation and two more times for the porcelain veneer procedure. The porcelain veneer process typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
To begin the process, you must schedule a consultation with your Storts Family Dentistry cosmetic dentist. At this visit, you will discuss your goals, and they will assess your oral health. If porcelain veneers are the right option, we will book your treatment and discuss your payment options.
Your First Treatment Visit
During your first treatment visit, we will prepare your teeth. Your dentist will gently shape your teeth to make room for the veneers.
Once we finish preparing your teeth, we will take impressions. These molds will be the basis for crafting your permanent, custom-made porcelain veneers. We will send these molds of your prepared teeth to a dental laboratory. Your dentist will choose a color and size to match your natural surrounding teeth.
We will also take impressions to craft temporary veneers. Your dentist will place these on your teeth while a dental lab makes the permanent ones in a dental lab. This is to protect your teeth for the few weeks it takes a skilled technician to create your permanent, custom porcelain veneers.
Your Second Treatment Visit
You will return to our office for the second visit once we receive your permanent veneers from the dental lab. During this visit, we will remove the temporary veneers. Then, your dentist will try on your permanent one to ensure a proper fit.
Your dentist will use a strong dental adhesive to bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth. They will make any necessary adjustments to them to ensure a proper bite.
The last step is to polish your new teeth for a smooth and natural appearance. Your dentist will assess the final results to ensure they meet your goals and function well. Then, you can leave with a new and improved smile.
What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a popular way to transform your smile for looks and function. Dentists attach these custom-made, thin covers to your teeth to improve their appearance and strength. If you want to fix common dental flaws, veneers offer a long-lasting solution with many benefits.
Natural Appearance
One of the most significant benefits of porcelain veneers is their ability to mimic the natural look of teeth. Porcelain veneers look natural because they reflect light like real tooth enamel, matching your other teeth perfectly. Dentists also customize each veneer’s shape, size, and color to match your smile perfectly.
Stain Resistance
Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth. The smooth surface of porcelain repels discoloration from coffee, tea, wine, and other staining substances. Though you still need to care for your teeth, veneers stay whiter and brighter longer than untreated teeth.
Durability and Longevity
Porcelain veneers are durable and designed to withstand the forces of daily chewing and biting. With proper care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their strong material resists chipping and cracking, providing a long-term solution for improving your smile.
Quick and Minimally Invasive
Compared to other dental treatments, getting porcelain veneers is relatively quick. Most patients complete the procedure in just two or three visits to the dentist. The procedure is gentle, and the dentist only removes a tiny bit of tooth enamel to prep your teeth. This preserves the majority of your natural tooth structure while achieving dramatic results.
Flexibility
Porcelain veneers can address various dental imperfections, making them one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments. Veneers can fix stains, chips, cracks, gaps, uneven teeth, and slight crookedness, giving you a balanced, beautiful smile in one simple treatment.
Improved Confidence
A beautiful smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. Porcelain veneers give you a smile you’ll love to share, helping you feel confident anywhere, anytime. Many patients report that their veneers positively impact their overall quality of life.
Low Maintenance
Caring for porcelain veneers is easy and fits your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss as you normally would, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Unlike natural enamel, porcelain is non-porous, meaning it’s less likely to develop stains or decay over time.
Customizable Solution
Each set of veneers is custom-made to suit the individual. Your dentist will work closely with you to design veneers that match your facial features, desired shade, and the unique contours of your teeth. This level of customization ensures the results are natural-looking and tailored to your specific needs.
Protection for Damaged Teeth
Porcelain veneers improve the look of teeth and provide added protection. They can cover teeth worn down, chipped, or slightly cracked, reducing the risk of further damage. This protective barrier strengthens teeth while enhancing their appearance.
Instant Orthodontic Results
Porcelain veneers can offer instant results without braces or aligners for minor alignment issues. They can straighten the appearance of slightly crooked teeth, close small gaps, and create a more uniform smile. While they do not substitute orthodontics in severe cases, veneers provide a fast and effective alternative for mild misalignment.
Customized Shade Options
Porcelain veneers allow you to choose the level of whiteness for your smile. Your dentist can customize your veneers to look natural or more dramatic—whatever you prefer. This flexibility ensures you achieve the exact aesthetic you desire.
Gum-Friendly Material
Porcelain is biocompatible and unlikely to irritate your gums or surrounding tissues. This makes veneers a safe and comfortable option for most patients. Properly placed veneers also promote healthy gum tissue, as they fit seamlessly against the natural tooth.
Minimal Recovery Time
After receiving porcelain veneers, there is little to no downtime. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. You might initially feel slightly sensitive, but it goes away fast, making veneers a simple smile upgrade.
Enhanced Oral Health
Porcelain veneers can help improve overall oral health by covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth. Their smooth surface resists stains and protects teeth, making them easier to keep clean.
Long-Term Investment in Your Smile
While porcelain veneers may involve an upfront cost, their durability and aesthetic benefits make them a worthwhile investment. With proper care, they provide years of improved confidence and function. Many patients find the positive impact on appearance and self-esteem worth the initial expense.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a smile makeover. This section contains frequently asked questions and answers about the treatment and what to expect. We hope that this section can help you as you inquire about teeth veneers. If you have additional questions, please call our Ardmore or Madill office for help.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
The average porcelain veneer lasts between 10 and 15 years. However, they can last longer if you maintain proper oral health and meticulous care. How long veneers last depends on your daily care and how gently you treat them.
Grinding your teeth, chewing hard foods, or using your teeth as tools can make your veneers wear out faster. Make sure to attend your regular dental checkups to help maintain your condition.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Yes, dental veneers are permanent dental restorations. Their application involves removing a small amount of the enamel from the front of your teeth.
This is a necessary step to create room for the restorations. However, you can’t reverse this. Once you get teeth veneers, you must maintain them for a lifetime and replace them if they crack, break, or discolor.
Will dental veneers ruin my teeth?
No, dental veneers do not ruin your teeth. However, they do permanently alter them. This type of dental restoration enhances the appearance of your smile.
The process involves removing a small layer of enamel, and it is not reversible. As long as the veneers remain on your teeth, you maintain good oral health, and visit your dentist regularly, your teeth will remain healthy.
Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
No, it is not possible to whiten this type of dental restoration. Porcelain is a non-porous material that resists staining but does not respond to bleaching agents. You must choose a shade that matches your surrounding teeth or the shade you are happy with. This is likely the color of your teeth for the next 10 to 15 years unless you decide to replace them.
Does insurance cover dental veneers?
It is unlikely that your dental insurance will cover dental veneers. Most dental insurance carriers consider them cosmetic dentistry treatments and will not cover any portion.
Do porcelain veneers feel like real teeth?
Yes, porcelain veneers will feel and look like natural teeth. After your dentist places them on your teeth, they may initially feel unnatural because they are something new in your mouth. However, after a short adjustment period, most people don’t notice a difference compared to their natural teeth.
Can porcelain veneers stain?
Veneers are made from stain-resistant materials, so they stay whiter longer than natural teeth. But they’re not completely stain-proof—heavy coffee, red wine, or tea drinkers may still see some discoloration over time. To keep your teeth looking their best, maintain good oral hygiene, attend your regular dental checkups, and limit the stain-causing drinks and foods.
Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Patients who make good dental veneer candidates want to improve their smile and are in good oral health. An ideal candidate does not have tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues. You should address habits like teeth grinding as they can easily damage the veneers.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
Dental veneer care is simple and generally involves good oral hygiene. You can care for your veneers by brushing daily, avoiding hard foods, seeing your dentist, and never using teeth as tools.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Southern Oklahoma
Contact Storts Family Dentistry at (580) 260-3410 or request an appointment with us online. Our cosmetic services are available to Southern Oklahoma and all surrounding neighborhoods and cities. Our dentists love serving Southern Oklahoma and its incredible people. We cannot wait to help you feel confident in your smile.