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How Porcelain Veneers Can Change Your Smile

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 15-10-2020

Living with an imperfect smile can lead to confidence issues and even make you feel less sociable and satisfied with your life. If your smile is not as perfect as you would like, many cosmetic dental treatments are available to improve it.

One of the most effective options is porcelain veneers. This procedure can be applied to many smile imperfections, creating the pearly, straight teeth you’ve always wanted. They look natural and are also an affordable option providing years of beautiful smiles. Here’s how porcelain veneers can provide the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers hide smile imperfections using thin shells that are permanently bonded to your teeth’ front surface. They are customized to suit your needs, including their colour and shape.

Veneers are one of the easiest and most affordable smile makeover solutions and can be used for a long list of smile imperfections. People love veneers because the porcelain provides a very natural look while also being resistant to staining.

What issues can veneers correct?

We will assess your teeth to see if veneers are right for you. In general, they are ideal for:

• Straightening crooked teeth
• Closing gaps in teeth
• Whitening dark, yellow, permanently stained or discoloured teeth
• Repairing broken or chipped teeth

What can I expect at my veneer appointment?

There are actually more than two appointments required for your veneer treatment. The number of appointments required depends on the condition of your teeth and gums, and if you require any teeth whitening. Once we agree veneers are right for your needs, we book your first appointment to prepare your teeth.

To help accommodate your new veneers, we remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel at this visit. This is a permanent change to your natural tooth structure. We then take impressions of your teeth for the dental lab to craft your veneers. Temporary veneers are applied to protect your teeth while you wait for your permanent veneers to be completed.

Your next appointment is usually about two weeks later. At this appointment, we will remove your temporary veneers. We then apply a mild chemical that roughens your tooth surface. This step makes sure your veneers can firmly adhere to your teeth. We use a strong composite resin adhesive to cement the veneers in place. Voila, you leave our office with a perfect, dazzling smile.

What happens in between appointments?

Your temporary veneers are quite fragile. You will have to be careful biting and chewing to make sure you don’t damage them or cause them to come off.

Can anyone have veneers?

Unfortunately, veneers won’t work for everyone. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, veneers will be at risk of damage. Bad habits such as biting your nails or chewing ice can also increase the risk of chipping or cracking your veneers.

The Pros of Veneers:

• You maintain your natural tooth structure
• Very little anesthesia is required during treatment
• Your veneers are very natural in appearance
• Veneers can correct a long list of smile woes
• The porcelain is stain resistant, so they will be whiter longer than natural teeth

The Cons of Veneers:

• The procedure is irreversible due to the loss of your natural enamel
• Possible sensitivity to heat following the procedure
• Potential for damage if you use your teeth to open packages, chew your nails, chomp ice, etc.

How long do dental veneers last?

When well cared for, porcelain veneers should last an average of 10 years or longer. If you take care to avoid damage, you could see your veneers last as long as 20 years.

Do porcelain veneers require special care?

While you definitely want to avoid using your teeth for anything but eating, in general, your porcelain veneers require the same care as your natural teeth. You’ll need to follow the same oral care regime, using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid wearing down your veneers.

We will also use a nonabrasive polish at your regular cleaning appointments. If it appears you might be clenching or grinding your teeth at night, we will recommend you wear a customized night-guard while sleeping to protect your veneers from damage.

Porcelain veneers are one of the most natural and affordable smile makeover solutions available.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Milton and how porcelain veneers could improve your smile, call Milltown Dental at (905) 878-8528 or contact us here.

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