Do you ever flip through Instagram or glossy magazine photos and wish you had such perfect teeth? Do you wonder how their smiles are so perfectly aligned and pearly white? Whether you have good dental hygiene habits or dental hygiene issues, your teeth might not be as white and symmetrical as you would like.
Many people take advantage of porcelain veneers to get the perfect smile. Porcelain veneers are a highly effective, noninvasive, and convenient way to enhance your smile. They can help improve your teeth’s shape, length, size, and color.
Are you reluctant to display your smile because you dislike how your teeth look? If so, it might be time to update your smile with porcelain veneers. However, it would help to learn more about porcelain dental veneers before getting them. Things to know include:
WHAT EXACTLY ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?
A porcelain dental veneer is a thin layer of custom-made porcelain material attached to the surface of a tooth by a dentist. Many people get veneers for cosmetic reasons. However, they can also serve a restorative purpose. Unlike dental crowns that cover the entire tooth, veneers are less invasive and cover just the tooth’s surface.
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Porcelain veneers work for many people. You may be a good candidate if you want to improve the appearance of your smile by covering imperfections. If you have good bone structure and healthy gums, you are likely a good candidate even if your teeth do not look great.
THEY FIX THE FOLLOWING DENTAL PROBLEMS
Porcelain veneers can help address the following problems with your teeth:
- Staining.
- Spacing problems.
- Chipping.
- Narrow or uneven smile.
- Bite issues.
- Old fillings and restorations.
- Crowding.
Getting dental veneers is a custom process—your dentist will customize them according to your specific dental problem.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN PORCELAIN VENEERS MIGHT NOT WORK
Porcelain veneers might not work if you have severely worn-down teeth that will make it difficult for them to adhere. Also, they will not work if you have wide gaps in your teeth unless you first get some orthodontic work done.
THEY ARE NOT REMOVABLE
Only a dentist can remove dental veneers once fixed. They typically last between 15 and 20 years but can last even longer with proper care.
THEY CAN CRACK AND CHIP
Just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can chip and crack. While they can withstand normal wear and tear, it is best to be careful when wearing them. For example, avoid biting down on hard objects and address teeth grinding or clenching issues before getting them.
PORCELAIN VENEERS ARE LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DISCOLORATION
Many people prefer porcelain dental veneers because they are better than resin veneers at resisting stains. However, proper dental hygiene is still necessary.
Now that you know more about porcelain dental veneers, you can determine whether they are a good choice. Contact a licensed dentist near you if you are still doubtful or would like to know more.
For more on porcelain veneers, visit Sand Lake Dental at our office in Orlando, Florida. Call (407) 355-0608 to schedule an appointment today.
