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 will look and feel like a natural tooth. The medical-grade material offers advanced treatment to meet your cosmetic needs and durable results that will 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 do not 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 comfort 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. Dental images and impressions will then be taken to be used in fabricating your porcelain veneers.
Once the custom-made and color-matched veneers are ready, you will return to our Charleston, SC dental office for permanent placement. We will 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 is designed to enhance both aesthetics and dental health. They are also resistant to staining, so they maintain 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 toothbrush for daily brushing. Do not 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 monitor the condition of your veneers, spotting and addressing any damage to maximize the longevity of your new smile.
