If one of your new year’s resolutions is to improve your smile, you’ve probably already heard the buzz about porcelain veneers. Compared to many other forms of cosmetic dentistry, veneers offer you a dazzlingly perfect smile without taking years and multiple procedures to achieve. So what do you need to know about porcelain veneers and other forms of cosmetic dentistry before taking the next step toward your ideal smile?
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a thin shell of material affixed over the surface of your tooth. Veneers can completely transform your smile, affecting the color, texture, size, or shape of your teeth. This treatment addresses various cosmetic issues, such as chipped or broken teeth, large tooth gaps, or stains.
Veneers can be made from either porcelain or a resin composite. Resin veneers tend to be more affordable and are quicker to affix, but porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and built to last.
Who Can Get Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a better choice for some people than others. Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel to attach porcelain veneers to your teeth. If your enamel is damaged or eroded, you may not have adequate enamel to attach the veneers.
Additionally, people who grind their teeth or chew their nails may not be good candidates for veneers. These activities can potentially wear down and crack veneer material, which may make other treatment options a better choice.
Ultimately, veneers are an excellent choice for people with multiple cosmetic defects who would otherwise need many different treatments to set them all right.
Steps to Get Porcelain Veneers
Your dentist will start by removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to prepare them for the veneers. Your dentist will then send a custom mold of your teeth to a lab that creates a unique set of porcelain veneers tailor-made to fit your smile. You and your dentist can decide which shade of veneers will suit you best. Once the veneers are ready, you’ll have a visit to try them on and ensure they’re a good fit; then, your dentist will finish bonding them to your teeth. If you need to make any adjustments, your dentist can always do so at a later appointment.
Are Porcelain Veneers the Right Choice For You?
If you’re interested in completely transforming your smile into the one you’ve always dreamed of, porcelain veneers might be the right choice for you. While they tend to carry a higher price tag than other cosmetic dentistry procedures, their convenience, speed, and personal customization ultimately make them well worth every penny. Especially when you consider the fact that veneers can instantly address a vast number of issues that would otherwise take multiple procedures to correct.
If you’re interested in exploring whether veneers are a good option for your teeth, we’d love to chat. As one of Albany’s top dental practices, we’re here to help all members of your family get the absolute best in dental care.