As an alternative or adjunct to cosmetic surgery, porcelain veneers could take five to 10 years off your appearance. With good oral health and proper daily dental care, head-turning porcelain veneers can last 20 years or longer.
Made of thin layers of porcelain, veneers look natural and can endure the pressure of biting and chewing foods. Dr. Matthew Bridges may recommend veneers to improve the appearance of front teeth that show when you smile.
Because they cover the front surface of teeth, veneers correct stains, cracks, misalignments, and other imperfections to create a gorgeous smile. A ceramist handmakes each veneer in a dental lab with durable, esthetic porcelain tinted to blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Usually, the process takes two appointments and about a month to complete, following the initial consultation.
Today’s blog will review who needs porcelain veneers. We’ll explain in more detail the conditions that warrant veneers and what you can expect following the procedure.
Choosing Veneers
Also known as the all-in-one smile makeover, porcelain veneers can tweak or completely transform a smile. Cosmetic veneers improve one or more of the following attributes of a tooth:
- Shape
- Size
- Alignment
- Color
Porcelain Veneers Candidacy
Age
Because veneers are permanent, we recommend them for older teens and patients in any stage of adulthood. If a child gets veneers, the restorations will need replacement as the child’s natural teeth grow. Oftentimes, bonding is a more desirable cosmetic enhancement for children and young teens.
Health
Dr. Bridges wants your investment to last, so he will help bring your mouth into good health before placing porcelain veneers. This may involve treating tooth decay, gum disease, and occlusion issues that can lead to clenching and grinding (bruxism) and TMJ disorder. If you clench and grind your teeth, you can wear down veneers, as well as the other teeth and dental work in your mouth.
Prerequisite Orthodontics
Porcelain veneers can close mild to moderate gaps between teeth and correct the appearance of twisted or malformed teeth. However, if your teeth are too widely spaced or crowded and overlapping, you may need orthodontic treatment prior to veneers.
Bad Habits
If you chew on your fingernails, pen caps, ice, straws, and other objects, you’ll need to break the habit before having veneers–or your veneers may break!
Also, tobacco will permanently stain tooth enamel, as well as dental work. If you smoke, your porcelain veneers will discolor over time.
Care and Mainteanance
DO NOT USE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE ON VENEERS. The abrasive paste will scratch your veneers and promote staining, rather than remove stains. Note also that chemical teeth whitening does not work on dental work, including veneers. Teeth whitening is intended for use on natural tooth enamel only.
Plan to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning, and as needed for toothaches and oral abnormalities. Also, you’ll need to practice good dental hygiene every day, morning and evening. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once, and use mouth wash to kill bacteria and bad breath. If veneers are damaged, contact Dr. Bridges immediately for an appointment.
Call Today for Porcelain Veneers Consultation
Are porcelain veneers right for you? Let’s chat about it! Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center today at 580.255.4880 and reserve your consultation with Dr. Matthew Bridges. He’ll take time to talk with you about your concerns, then conduct a comprehensive oral evaluation. He may want to take x-rays, as well. After reviewing his findings, the doctor will create a custom treatment plan, share it with you, and answer all of your questions. We love new patients!
