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Porcelain Veneers

If you are in search of a natural-looking repair for a damaged tooth, a veneer may be the perfect option to meet your needs. These custom-made shells are wafer-thin, but they are also strong. They are made to look just like the tooth they are repairing and the surrounding teeth—making them the perfect repair option for those looking to maintain the look of their natural smile.

Below is more information about veneers, the benefits, the placement process, and more.

Why Porcelain Veneers?

There are a variety of issues porcelain veneers help to repair. These include cracks, chips, discoloration, and other forms of damage. They can also be used to repair worn-down teeth. Many people use veneers to repair stained teeth when teeth whitening isn’t enough. Patients with tobacco, red wine, coffee, tea, and other stains can benefit from the placement of porcelain veneers.

Veneers are a great repair choice for those with uneven, misaligned, and irregularly shaped teeth as well. They can even be used to close the gaps between a patient’s teeth. If a tooth is weaker, veneers can help. This is particularly the case for those that have weak enamel due to acid reflux. Veneers are helpful in shielding the tooth from potential damage, while also being aesthetically pleasing.

Veneers Materials

Veneers are generally made from either composite resin or porcelain. Many people prefer porcelain because they are highly resistant to stains and closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. This is particularly due to porcelain veneers reflecting light in the way natural enamel does.

Veneers are a great option for repairs that need a little more durability than what dental bonding can provide but don’t need something as severe as a dental crown placed. They provide the support and repairs needed for minor cosmetic damage and allow a patient to maintain the majority of their natural tooth.

If a patient takes proper care of their veneer and their overall oral health, veneers can last for a long time.

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Porcelain Veneer Benefits

There are quite a few benefits to porcelain veneers. The first is the natural appearance and color of porcelain veneers. They will fit with the surrounding teeth well, and almost no one will be able to notice them. They are also easily tolerated by gum tissue.

It’s important to realize that the process of placing a veneer is irreversible. Enamel is removed from the tooth to place the veneer. Cracks and chips to veneers also cannot be repaired. Your tooth may become more sensitive due to the removal of enamel. With all of this in mind, it is a better alternative to placing a dental crown when possible. You’ll still be able to maintain the majority of your natural crown, which is preferential.

There are some excellent advantages to porcelain veneers. If you would like to know more and see if veneers are the right choice for you, schedule an appointment with Oxboro Dental for an evaluation. We’ll let you know what the best repair option is to suit your needs.

The Porcelain Veneer Application Process

If you are ready to get porcelain veneers placed, you’ll first visit your dentist to see if they are an option for you and if they are the best choice possible. You may simply need dental bonding to resolve the issue. On the other hand, the damage may be so bad that a dental crown is the only option. Your dentist will let you know.

Once it’s been decided that a porcelain veneer is the best option, your dentist will create an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab for fabrication. Your dentist will then begin the process of removing enamel. Don’t worry, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Your dentist will remove ½ millimeter of enamel to make room for the veneer. Your veneer will likely take a few weeks at the lab to fabricate. Your dentist may decide to provide you with a temporary veneer in the meantime. Once the final veneer has arrived, your dentist will make sure the color matches well and they will trim the veneer to fit perfectly.

The surface of the tooth will be roughed up so the cement for the veneer can be placed properly. Your dentist will then place the veneer. They will then do a few bite evaluations. In a few weeks, you’ll be expected to visit your dentist for a follow-up. During this time, they will make sure the gums around the veneer have reacted okay, and they will ensure the veneer and the tooth it sits on are healthy.

Taking Care of Your Veneer

The placement of a dental veneer is not an excuse to let your oral hygiene go. While the veneer is strong and obviously is a prosthetic, the rest of the tooth is still natural. This means it is still susceptible to decay and damage. Your gums are also at risk for gum disease. A veneer does nothing to stop this. Brush, floss, and rinse twice a day, every day.

You also need to continue to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. This is also a good time for your dentist to take a look at the veneer and make sure there is no damage to it. If you notice any damage to the veneer, set an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look and see if there is any way to fix the issue.

With proper care, your veneer will last that much longer.

If you have a cracked, chipped, discolored, or otherwise damaged tooth, reach out to Oxboro Dental. A dentist will take a look at the tooth and see how severe the damage is. From there, they will decide on what the best method of repair is. If they decide on a veneer, you can ask about a porcelain veneer.

Reach out today for more information. We’d be happy to answer any questions and schedule you for an appointment.