Do you hide your teeth when you laugh or smile? If you are too embarrassed to show your smile around other people, cosmetic dental care can help. Porcelain veneers are shells of tooth-colored porcelain that can cover the front teeth. They can fix cosmetic issues in the smile line or the teeth that show when you smile. At Hebron Family Dental, we provide cosmetic dental treatment with porcelain veneers in Carrollton, TX.
Are Porcelain Veneers For Me?
If you want to improve the look of your smile, you may be a good candidate for veneers. Veneers are thin, custom shells that cover the front of your teeth to hide flaws and make your smile look more even and attractive. Some of the most common problems veneers can solve include:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Black triangles
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Short teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Cracked teeth
Tooth veneers can treat multiple cosmetic problems at once. You can transform your smile to create a balanced look.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers in Carrollton, TX
Dental veneers provide many benefits for patients who want cosmetic treatment. Veneers are:
- Non-Porous: Veneers don’t absorb stains like natural teeth. Because they resist stains from foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and dark-colored sauces, they help keep your smile bright and white for years. You can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks.
- Long-Lasting: The porcelain used for veneers can withstand daily wear. If you brush, floss, and visit our dentist for checkups, your veneers can stay in great shape for 10 years or more. They offer a long-term solution to change your smile.
- Natural-Looking: Porcelain reflects light like your natural tooth enamel, which gives veneers a realistic shine. We will color-match the veneers to your other teeth so they blend in perfectly. You can enjoy a beautiful smile that feels like it’s truly yours.
- Easy to Care For: Veneers don’t need special care. You can brush and floss just like your natural teeth, which helps keep your mouth healthy. Our dentist can also ensure your veneers and gums stay in good condition.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Patients must have enough natural tooth structure to be candidates for veneers. Veneers require this structure for tooth preparation. When we prepare the teeth, we remove a small portion of the natural tooth. Tooth preparation ensures that the shells fit comfortably and do not look bulky.
However, patients who get veneers must commit to covering their teeth. We cannot reverse the tooth preparation process. Good candidates for veneers want to cover their cosmetic imperfections permanently.
Patients must also be in good oral health before cosmetic dental treatments. We provide general and restorative treatments to remove decay, treat gum disease, and address other common dental problems.
Our office will not recommend veneers for patients who clench and grind their teeth. Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a common sign of TMJ disorders. It can damage and loosen the veneers.
The Porcelain Veneers Process in Carrollton, TX
You can get veneers in several visits to our dental office. The steps to treatment include:
Tooth Preparation
The veneer process begins with tooth preparation. Our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment. We will select a shade that matches your natural teeth. Then, we will design a set of veneers for a uniform look.
To prepare your teeth, our dentist will remove about 0.5 millimeters of enamel. This is similar to the thickness of a fingernail. This creates space for the veneers to fit seamlessly over your teeth to give you a smooth, natural appearance.
Next, we take dental impressions and send them to a dental lab. Skilled technicians use these impressions to craft veneers that follow the natural contour of your teeth. They use a durable, light-reflective porcelain.
Temporary Veneers
While the lab creates your final veneers, you’ll wear temporary veneers. These temporary covers protect your teeth and preserve your smile’s appearance. They keep your teeth functional until your permanent veneers are ready.
Placing the Final Veneers
When the lab completes your custom veneers, you’ll return to our office for the final step of the process. Our dentist will confirm the perfect fit, shape, and color. Then, he will securely bond the veneers to your teeth with composite resin. This attention to detail ensures your new teeth look flawless and feel comfortable.
A full set of veneers includes six to eight teeth. They cover the teeth visible when you smile. Whether you need one veneer or a full set, our team is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
How to Care For Veneers
After you get veneers, you must care for them to keep them bright and healthy. We recommend these tips:
Avoid Certain Foods
Right after you get your veneers, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Foods like nuts, hard candies, and chewy caramels can damage them.
While veneers are strong, it takes time to get used to them. Stick to soft foods at first. We may recommend yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soup. Then, you can add more crunchy foods into your diet as your mouth adjusts.
Avoid Tobacco and Staining Foods and Drinks
Veneers are stain-resistant but can still get stained over time. Tobacco can stain the material that bonds the veneers to your teeth. Some foods and drinks can also stain them.
Brush and Floss
You can brush and floss veneers just like your natural teeth. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste, as some whitening toothpastes have gritty materials. They could scratch the surface of your veneers. Brush gently in circular motions. Also, remember to floss before you brush to remove leftover food and bacteria.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about porcelain veneers in our Carrollton, TX, dental office with answers to these common questions:
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Veneers can last ten to fifteen years. To ensure they last, brush and floss your veneers, teeth, and gums daily. Visit our office every six months for routine exams and dental cleanings. We will also examine your veneers at these visits to ensure they stay in great shape.
How much are dental veneers?
The cost of veneers depends on teeth size, material, location, and number of veneers. At a consultation in our office, we will discuss your cosmetic goals and examine your mouth to see how many veneers you need. Porcelain veneers may cost more than other options like composite. However, they are more durable and last longer than composite veneers.
Are veneers painful?
Veneers may seem painful because we remove a small portion of the tooth to prepare the surface for them. However, we ensure you feel comfortable when you get them. We will numb your tooth so you do not feel pain during tooth preparation.
After treatment, you may feel slight tooth sensitivity. Avoid hard and crunchy foods directly after treatment and take over-the-counter medication. This sensitivity will fade over time.
Can you get infections under dental veneers?
Yes, you can get an infection under your dental veneers if they are old, damaged, or not properly installed. Over time, if they become loose or cracked, bacteria can get underneath and cause an infection in your natural teeth. If your veneers don’t fit, it can also lead to issues with your gums or teeth.
If you notice that your veneers no longer feel right, seem loose, or cause discomfort, please contact our office.
Can veneers fall off easily?
Your veneers should not fall off of your teeth. However, if a dentist does not place them properly, they can pop off the teeth. Veneers can also loosen if you clench or grind your teeth or sustain damage. If you care for your veneers, it will be hard for them to loosen.
How do traditional veneers compare to minimal prep options?
With traditional veneers, our dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This makes room for them so they don’t look bulky or stick out. Because they require enamel removal, they’re a permanent choice.
Minimal prep veneers, sometimes called “no-prep” veneers, are thinner. They don’t need much enamel removed, if any at all. They can still improve your tooth color, shape, or size but may not last as long.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Yes, porcelain veneers can help make slightly crooked teeth look straight! These thin shells are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They can hide minor misalignment issues to make your smile more straight.
However, they work best for teeth that are only a little crooked. Our dentist might suggest braces or clear aligners if you have misaligned teeth. But veneers can be a great way to create a smooth, even look for your smile for small, crooked areas.
Does insurance cover veneer treatment?
Veneers can be covered by insurance if you use it to repair a damaged tooth. However, most dental insurance plans do not cover veneers because they are considered a cosmetic treatment. Cosmetic treatments are elective and not medically necessary.
Check with your dental insurance provider to see what they cover. We are in-network with major companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Humana.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Do you want to cover stained or damaged teeth? Get porcelain veneers at Hebron Family Dental in Carrollton, TX. Call 972-236-5871 or request an appointment on our website.
If you have questions about treatment, let us know at your next visit. We will find the best option for you.