Do you like the way your teeth look? Maybe you’ve been thinking about changing the appearance of your teeth. You’ve heard about porcelain veneers, but you don’t understand how they work or if they’ll work for you. The team at Dentistry by Angela Britt has the answers to your questions about porcelain veneers.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain designed to cover the front of your teeth, similar to the way artificial nails adhere to your fingertips. The veneers allow you to cover imperfections by changing the color, size, and shape of your teeth.
Conditions That Can Benefit From Porcelain Veneers
- Stained or discolored teeth that can’t be whitened
- Chipped, broken, or worn teeth
- Abnormally shaped or uneven teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
Porcelain Veneer Process
Consultation — During the consultation appointment, you’ll receive an exam. The dentist reviews your x-rays, and we’ll possibly take impressions of your teeth. This visit is not a one-way street. You share with us the results you’re expecting to receive. We use all the information to assess your needs and to determine if veneers are the best fit for your situation. We’ll answer questions you have about the procedure, and the dentist will plan treatment if it’s the right choice for you.
Preparation — The dentist removes a small amount of enamel to prepare for placement of the veneers. Next, we take impressions to send to the laboratory along with the shade selection to make your veneers. In most cases, it can take two to four weeks for your case to return to the office.
Bonding — The dentist examines and makes adjustments to the veneers for a good fit and color match. Before bonding, your tooth needs to be cleaned, polished, and etched. The etch makes the surface of the tooth rough to prepare for cementation. The cement is applied to the veneer and carefully positioned on your tooth. We use a special light to harden the cement and then make the final adjustments.
In two weeks, you may need a follow-up visit so we can check your gums and the position of the veneers. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last seven to 15 years. As always, practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. To find out if veneers are right for you, call our office to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Brunswick, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.