Dentists often refer to porcelain veneers as the “instant smile makeover” because they are one of the fastest ways to improve all types of cosmetic dental issues. When a patient who wants a fast and easy solution to a cosmetic dental issue visits our office, veneers are one of the first solutions we recommend.
While porcelain veneers are pretty popular, most people don’t know a lot about them. Before placing the veneers, we make sure all of our patient’s questions are answered.
In this blog, our Austin dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, answers the most asked questions about porcelain veneers.
1. What are porcelain veneers?
The history of porcelain veneers is much more interesting than one might think. They were first invented and used in the 1930s by Dr. Charles Pincus. He designed them for actors and actresses to used during film roles, photoshoots, and movie premiers. At this time, veneers were a temporary fix; today, they are permanent.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed on the front surface of a tooth or multiple teeth. These are custom created for each patient, so they appear to be natural.
2. How are veneers placed?
Dental veneers are one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. This means a quick treatment and recovery for patients.
The dentist begins treatment by preparing the patient’s dental enamel. This requires him or her to remove a small amount of enamel from each of the teeth that are being treated. Without this step, the veneers will appear horse-like.
Next, the dentist takes impressions of the prepared teeth and sends those to the dental lab where a lab technician carefully crafts the veneers to meet the patient’s expectations. These may take up to two weeks to be made.
At the second and final appointment, the dentist utilizes dental adhesive to cement the veneers to the teeth. He or she can make any minor adjustments to the veneers. Once the patient is satisfied, the process is complete.
3. How long do they last?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and rarely need to be replaced. In fact, they can last 25 years or more when they are taken care of. Dr. Ragsdale recommends making a few adjustments to your oral health routine to ensure the veneers last as long as possible.
These adjustments include:
- Using a minimally abrasive toothpaste
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Floss every night
- Schedule regular cleanings and checkups with a dentist
4. What cosmetic issues do porcelain veneers correct?
Porcelain veneers can correct a variety of minor to moderate cosmetic issues, including:
- Deep dental stains
- Uneven or misshapen teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misalignment
In more severe cases, other cosmetic or orthodontic solutions may be necessary.
5. Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?
Candidates for porcelain veneers include anyone with the cosmetic issues mentioned above and healthy teeth and gums.
It’s important to remember that dentist’s main concern is the health of your mouth. So, before he or she approves you for porcelain veneers, they will perform a complete dental exam. If any dental decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues are apparent, those issues will be treated first.
Porcelain Veneers in Austin, TX
If you’re interested in porcelain veneers to improve your smile, our Austin laser dentist is prepared to help! Contact our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your initial consultation.
