Porcelain Veneers 101
A smile is a great accessory as it completes your look and improves your appearance. However, as simple as it may be, smiling for some people is not an option. Various dental problems such as crooked, missing, cracked, chipped or discolored teeth can damper your smile and appearance. We understand the agony and that’s why at Bella Smiles Cosmetics and Family Dentistry we offer different cosmetic treatments among them porcelain veneers.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made plastic shells that are permanently bonded to the teeth surface to change the color, length, size, and shape.
Why Do You Need Them?
Dr. Gibson recommends porcelain veneers to fix different dental conditions such as:
- Teeth discoloration caused by drugs, excessive fluoride intake, presence of dental fillings, smoking, and certain beverages like coffee and tea
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Worn-down teeth
Although most people can use porcelain veneers, they are not ideal for people with decay, weakened teeth, bruxism, and those with insufficient amounts of enamel.
What Does the Process Involve?
Getting porcelain veneers is a multi-step.
- Consultation
During your first appointment, the dentist will assess your bite and create a treatment plan in line with your goals and expectations for the dental procedure. The teeth will be prepared by trimming off the enamel to make space for the veneers.
Next, a bit of impression will be taken to the lab for molding. The porcelain veneers may take two weeks to be molded. In the meantime, the dentist will give you temporary veneers to protect the teeth from sensitivity.
- Second Appointment
This is usually scheduled after two weeks and it involves fixing the permanent porcelain veneers. The dentist will remove the temporary ones, clean the teeth and bond the final veneers using special cement.
A follow-up appointment will be set to evaluate how you are responding to the veneers.
Does The Process Hurt?
Dr. Gibson numbs the area to reduce discomfort and tooth sensitivity. You should, however, expect pain and soreness as the numbness subsides.
You can alleviate gum soreness and pain using pain relievers.
What Are the Advantages and Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are commonly used due to their benefits:
- They are natural-looking and hardly noticeable
- They are easy to care for as they mimic your natural teeth
- Porcelain is biocompatible meaning they are well-tolerated by most people
- They are stain-resistant
- The veneers improve your dental appearance
- You have the liberty of choosing the shade you want
Drawbacks
Despite their effectiveness, porcelain veneers have a few drawbacks:
- The process is irreversible. Once the enamel is grounded, it will not grow back
- Porcelain is expensive
- You can’t repair the veneers once they are crack or chip
- The trimming of the enamel makes the teeth sensitive
- The porcelain veneers don’t match your natural color up to the last detail
- The color of the veneers can’t be altered. So, if you want teeth whitening, better do it before the procedure
How Long Do They Last?
Porcelain veneers can last between seven to 15 years, but this will largely depend on your oral habits. After this time, you will need to replace the veneers.
Dental veneers don’t require any special care other than the recommend routine hygiene practice. Plus, professional exam and cleaning every six months are highly effective.
How Much Do the Porcelain Veneers Cost and Are They Covered by Insurance?
The cost of the veneers will depend on the number of teeth to be fixed. About the insurance, it depends on your coverage; some insurance plans cover 50% of the fee. It is prudent to call your insurance provider to know the details of what is included. Additionally, contact our dental team for a discussion on the financial plans we offer and the accepted dental insurance covers.
Get A Dental Restoration
Are you tired of your bite? Then you need a smile makeover. Book a consultation with our dentist in Sugarland for a total dental restoration. We have various cosmetic treatments, so if veneers are not your cup of tea, we can help you choose a suitable treatment to improve your smile.