Porcelain Veneers in Charleston SC & West Ashley

Porcelain VeneersAn Overview

Porcelain veneers can offer you the smile makeover you have always wanted with durable, lasting results. For many patients, dental veneers can also improve long term dental health when addressing teeth that are damaged or misshapen.

Charleston cosmetic dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn have the advanced training and experience necessary to offer patients beautiful results with porcelain veneers. Your new smile will blend with your natural appearance and feel comfortable as a result of their skillful artistry and the use of high quality materials.

Custom made for you in a dental lab, porcelain veneers are ultra thin, shell-like coverings for your teeth that’ll look and feel like a natural tooth. The medical grade material offers advanced treatment to meet your cosmetic needs and durable results that’ll resist stains. Considered a permanent dental restoration, porcelain veneers can be used to address:

Discolored teeth, especially those resistant to professional teeth whitening
Gaps between teeth, diastemas
Misshapen teeth or teeth that are crooked but don’t need orthodontic treatment
Aging teeth that have worn down
Chipped or broken teeth

With good oral hygiene and proper routine dental care, your porcelain veneers can last for many years.

Porcelain Veneers What to Expect

The porcelain veneer process involves several steps from treatment planning to final placement. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will meet with you to evaluate your dental health and discuss your cosmetic goals during your consultation to be sure that the final result meets your needs and supports your long term oral health.

The first step is to prepare the teeth to be treated by removing a minimal amount of tooth surface structure. This is to ensure optimal comfortable and placement of the veneers. Even though porcelain veneers are thin, this step is necessary to make sure the veneers will blend in with your natural teeth. Our team will take dental images and impressions to use in fabricating your porcelain veneers.

Once the custom-made and color matched veneers are ready, you’ll return to our Charleston, SC dental office for permanent placement. We’ll double check the fit and look and make any necessary adjustments before we secure the veneers to the teeth with a strong adhesive. The final result is a beautiful, comfortable new smile that enhances both your aesthetics and dental health. They’re also resistant to staining, so they keep their bright shade easier and longer than your natural enamel does.

How To Care For Your Porcelain Veneers

Caring for your veneers requires little extra steps or work. We recommend you use a soft bristle tooth brush for daily brushing. And don’t be afraid to brush them, they can withstand a lot of pressure. Regular brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy which will aid in the longevity of your veneers.

Regular dental visits for preventive care will provide the opportunity for your dentist to regularly check the condition of your veneers. They will spot damage before it’s too late, and address issues quickly to maximize the longevity of your new smile.

Porcelain Veneers FAQs

Do porcelain veneers feel different than natural teeth?: Porcelain veneers feel smooth and natural, and most patients quickly adjust to how they feel. They’re custom-made to match your teeth’s shape and size so they won’t feel bulky or awkward. After a short adjustment period, they generally feel like your natural teeth when speaking and chewing. Any discomfort usually fades within a few days.
Can I get veneers on just one or two teeth?: Yes, you can get veneers on a single tooth or a few, depending on your goals. Many patients choose this option to fix chips, close gaps, or correct color differences in specific teeth. The veneers will be color-matched to your natural teeth so they blend in seamlessly. Dr. Dickert will help ensure a balanced, natural-looking result.
Will porcelain veneers change the way I speak or chew?: In most cases, no. Once the veneers are in place, you’ll speak and chew normally after a short adjustment period. You might notice slight changes in your bite or pronunciation at first, especially with front teeth. But this usually goes away quickly. We can make small adjustments if anything feels off.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened if they become discolored?: No, porcelain veneers don’t get brighter with whitening treatments like real teeth do. If discoloration happens, it’s often from surface stains or changes in the surrounding teeth. Good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods and drinks can help keep their color. If stains become noticeable, we may recommend polishing or replacing the veneer.
Are there foods I should avoid to protect my veneers?: Yes, it’s best to avoid biting directly into hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy, as they can chip or crack veneers. You should limit your consumption of sticky foods and staining drinks like coffee, red wine, or tea. This will help maintain its look. Use your back teeth for tougher foods and maintain good oral hygiene daily. We may also recommend a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Will I need to replace my veneers in the future?: Yes, veneers typically need replacement every 10-15 years because of normal wear and potential chipping or staining. The tooth preparation is permanent, so you’ll always need some type of restoration on those teeth. With excellent care, some patients get 20+ years from their veneers. Regular checkups help us monitor their condition and plan replacement timing.
Is the veneer procedure painful?: Most patients feel little to no pain during the veneer procedure. We’ll numb the area while preparing the tooth so you won’t feel discomfort. Some people feel mild sensitivity or soreness afterward, but it usually fades within a few days. The overall process is gentle and well-tolerated.

Porcelain Veneers Charleston, SC

Porcelain VeneersAn Overview

Porcelain Veneers What to Expect

How To Care For Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers FAQs

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