Dental veneers are a popular choice for a smile makeover. One of our dentists will use a layer of porcelain to cover the visible part of one or more of your teeth to improve their shape and look. 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 our patients in Southern Oklahoma.
Porcelain Veneers in Southern Oklahoma
Dental veneers are individually custom-made shells of dental-grade porcelain that your dentist will bond to the front surface of teeth. The purpose of a dental veneer is to create a new outer layer of the tooth to restore the look of the tooth. This will conceal any type of imperfection the tooth has. 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 made of 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 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. While they are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in cases of severe misalignment, veneers can effectively correct minor issues like overlapping or twisted teeth. 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 spans several appointments. You will need to visit your Storts Family Dentistry 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 remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth receiving the dental veneers to create space for restorations.
Once we are done 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 the permanent ones are being made 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
Once we receive your permanent veneers from the dental lab, you will return to our office for the second visit. 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 cosmetic dentistry option that can transform your smile while improving your teeth’ overall health and functionality. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, offering both aesthetic and practical advantages. If you want to enhance your smile and address common dental imperfections, porcelain veneers provide a durable, effective solution with numerous benefits.
Natural Appearance
One of the most significant benefits of porcelain veneers is their ability to mimic the natural look of teeth. The translucent quality of porcelain reflects light similarly to natural enamel, making the veneers blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. 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. While it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene, veneers help you maintain a whiter, brighter smile over time compared to 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 process is minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front surface of your teeth. This preserves the majority of your natural tooth structure while achieving dramatic results.
Versatility
Porcelain veneers can address various dental imperfections, making them one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments. They can fix discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, uneven teeth, and mild misalignment, making veneers an all-in-one solution for creating a more symmetrical and attractive smile.
Improved Confidence
A beautiful smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. Porcelain veneers help you feel more comfortable in social and professional settings by giving you a smile you’re proud to show off. 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. Whether you prefer a natural shade or a brighter, more dramatic look, your dentist can customize the color to meet your preferences. 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. Any minor sensitivity to hot or cold foods typically resolves within a few days, making veneers a hassle-free option for improving your smile.
Enhanced Oral Health
Porcelain veneers can help improve overall oral health by covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth. Their smooth surface is resistant to plaque build-up and reduces the risk of further damage, making it easier to maintain good hygiene.
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 their 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 to 15 years. However, they can last longer if you maintain proper oral health and meticulous care. The lifespan of a dental veneer is based on factors like oral hygiene practices and avoiding wear and tear. Habits such as teeth grinding, chewing hard foods that could damage the restorations, and using your teeth as tools can shorten the life of your teeth veneers. Make sure to attend your regular dental checkups to help maintain their condition.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Yes, dental veneers are permanent dental restorations. This is because 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, this is also irreversible. Once you get teeth veneers, you must maintain them for a lifetime. You will need to 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 is designed to enhance 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 of them.
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 feel unnatural initially because it is 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?
Teeth veneers are made from non-porous materials, making them less likely to discolor or stain over time compared to natural teeth. Even though they are highly stain-resistant, staining is still possible with an excess of staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and tea. Maintain good oral hygiene, attend your regular dental checkups, and limit the stain-causing drinks and foods to keep your teeth looking their best.
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. Habits like teeth grinding should be addressed 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 should brush and floss your teeth daily, avoid hard foods and objects, attend regular dental check-ups, and avoid using your teeth as tools.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers Southern Oklahoma
Contact Storts Family Dentistry at (580) 260-3410 or request an appointment with us online to learn more about porcelain veneers. Our cosmetic services are available to Southern Oklahoma and all surrounding neighborhoods and cities, such as Ardmore, Marietta, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, and Kingston. Our dentists love serving Southern Oklahoma and its incredible people. We cannot wait to help you feel confident in your smile.