On the road to achieving “perfect” teeth, you have cosmetic dental options at Hillsborough Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. In the age of social media, many patients are interested in a radiant Hollywood smile. We can create your dream smile using porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. Dr. Williamson bonds these shells to the natural teeth to improve their look and address any cosmetic issues.
Porcelain veneers are an incredibly popular choice for our Hillsborough patients seeking to enhance the aesthetics of their mouths. Veneers can provide a natural, durable, and long-lasting solution to many dental imperfections. If you want to drastically change your teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Williamson to hear your options, or call us at 919-587-8401 today.
The Porcelain Veneers Process
To learn more about the specifics of the procedure, you can call our Hillsborough dental office. However, the process of getting porcelain veneers typically involves just a few steps:
- Consultation: The first step is a consultation with Dr. Williamson to determine if porcelain veneers are suitable for your dental concerns.
- Preparation: If veneers are right for you, Dr. Williams will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. Then, our dental team will take a digital impression of your teeth.
- Custom Fabrication: Your custom veneers will match your personal specifications.
- Bonding: Finally, Dr. Williamson will bond the veneers to your teeth using dental adhesives.
When Can You Use Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are incredibly versatile. You can use them to address a wide range of issues that affect your mouth and oral health.
- Stained or Discolored Teeth: For stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening procedures, veneers are an excellent solution. They can provide a consistently white and bright appearance.
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Veneers can cover and conceal small chips and cracks in your teeth. As a result, it can restore the smooth, intact look of your teeth.
- Misshapen or Irregularly Shaped Teeth: If you have misshapen teeth, veneers can create uniformity and harmony in the shape and size of your teeth.
- Gaps and Spaces: Veneers can close small gaps and spaces between teeth without the need for orthodontic work.
- Worn Down Teeth: Aging or teeth grinding can significantly wear down teeth. With veneers, you can restore teeth to their original size and shape.
- Sensitivity: While not a direct solution to tooth sensitivity, veneers can sometimes help by providing an additional layer of protection over sensitive teeth. As a result, it can reduce discomfort from hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Old Dental Work: Old fillings and dental bonding can diminish the value of your smile. However, veneers can cover discolored, worn, or unattractive dental work.
- Smile Makeovers: Transforming your entire mouth with veneers is an option. Veneers can provide comprehensive cosmetic enhancement for those seeking a complete smile makeover.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment that can improve the look of your teeth. This cosmetic dentistry treatment offers a range of benefits for patients.
One reason veneers are so popular is their durability. They’re stain-resistant and strong, so they’ll last for years before you need to replace them. If you want a long-term cosmetic restoration, they make a good choice.
Their stain-resistance helps with easy maintenance. Your veneers stay bright without you having to do extra steps or treatments. To care for them, simply brush and floss as you normally would. Continue your regular dental visits so we can ensure the veneers remain strong and fit properly.
Veneers also look natural. The porcelain they’re made from reflects the light much like natural tooth enamel. We also shape each veneer to match your existing teeth, ensuring they blend in perfectly. You can choose the shade of white you prefer for your teeth, ensuring you get a brighter smile that still looks natural.
They’re able to treat almost any cosmetic concern you may have with your smile. Because the lab crafts each one individually, they can ensure that they’re doing things like filling space between your teeth, while still looking normal. If there are certain looks you want to achieve with your new smile, veneers can often accommodate them.
Lastly, veneers give you a confidence boost. Many patients get porcelain veneers because they aren’t happy with their smile and try to hide it. With veneers, you can feel more comfortable talking and laughing with others. It can have positive impacts on your social and professional life.
Porcelain Veneers vs Dental Bonding
Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are two ways to fix problems with your teeth, like chips or stains. The main difference is what they’re made of and how your dentist will place them.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that go over the entire front portion of your teeth. They’re strong and look like natural teeth. Dental veneers enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile by altering the size, shape, or color of your teeth. A lab tech will create the porcelain veneers in a dental laboratory with a mold of your teeth. They also require minimal tooth preparation. The process for getting dental veneers requires at least two appointments.
On the other hand, dental bonding is a more conservative and less invasive procedure. This cosmetic dentistry treatment involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface of your tooth and then shaping it by hand to improve its appearance. Dentists use dental bonding for small cosmetic changes. The procedure can be completed in a single office visit.
While bonding is more affordable and quicker, porcelain veneers offer a more natural-looking and longer-lasting result. The choice between the two depends on the extent of the desired changes and your dentist’s recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers may be the solution for you if you want a better-looking smile. Our dental office offers customized porcelain veneers that can enhance the color, shape, and size of your teeth. To help you learn more about this popular cosmetic dental procedure, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers. Read on to discover more about how veneers can alter your smile to boost your confidence.
Will my porcelain veneers last forever?
Porcelain veneers are not permanent but can last a long time with proper care. Typically, veneers last between 10 and 15 years. However, some may last longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental exams. Over time, dental veneers may need replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in your natural teeth. Maintaining good oral habits helps extend the lifespan of your veneers.
Can I get porcelain veneers with missing teeth?
Porcelain veneers are not suitable for replacing missing teeth. Veneers are thin shells that we attach to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. If you have missing teeth, we may recommend other treatments, like dental implants or bridges, to fill the gaps. Once we address missing teeth, veneers can enhance the appearance of your remaining teeth.
Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
No. You cannot whiten porcelain veneers with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Veneers are made from materials that do not respond to bleaching agents. If your veneers become stained or discolored, your dentist may recommend professional cleaning or polishing. In some cases, replacing the veneers may be the best option to restore their original appearance.
Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?
Insurance typically doesn’t cover porcelain veneers. They consider it a cosmetic procedure. Most dental insurance plans focus on treatments necessary for dental health rather than aesthetics. Check with your insurance provider to see what cosmetic treatments, if any, they include in your plan. Your dentist might also offer financing options to help manage the cost of veneers.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
You can care for veneers by brushing and flossing every day, just like your natural teeth. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching them. Moreover, you should avoid biting into hard foods or objects, as this can damage them. Visit your dentist bi-yearly for exams and cleanings. Good oral hygiene practices will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your veneers.
Can a dentist repair porcelain veneers if they crack or break?
Yes, dentists can repair porcelain veneers if they crack or break. We can fix minor cracks or chips with a composite resin. In cases of significant damage, we might need to replace the veneer entirely. If you notice damage, contact us immediately to assess the best course of action. Regular dental check-ups help catch any issues early, ensuring your veneers last longer.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Hillsborough, NC
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers in Hillsborough, NC, schedule a consultation with Dr. Williamson at his local dentist office. Dr. Williamson will need to know more about your cosmetic goals and budget before determining if dental veneers are the right treatment for you. You can reach our office at 919-587-8401 or schedule a dental appointment online on our website.