Do you have several stained or discolored teeth? Are you looking for a permanent solution to tooth damage? Try the porcelain veneers Dr. Shannon French offers her patients in Bladenboro, NC. Porcelain veneers help restore function and aesthetics to patients with cracked or fractured teeth, a failed root canal, or permanent tooth discoloration.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic bonded to the front of the tooth enamel. This cosmetic dentistry solution can address chips and cracks in the tooth enamel and brighten the look of stained and discolored teeth. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to learn whether dental veneers suit you.
Treatment with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneer treatment begins when Dr. French prepares the surface of the teeth for cosmetic bonding. After administering a local anesthetic, she will etch and buff a small portion of the tooth surface. This ensures that the bonding material and veneers conform to the teeth.
Then, Dr. French will take impressions of your teeth, which are used to create your veneers. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where they will create custom veneers that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
When the veneers are ready, Dr. French will ensure they are adequately bonded to the teeth. She will also check the veneers’ fit, shape, and color to ensure they are not noticeable to the naked eye and appear as natural as possible.
What Porcelain Veneers Treat
Porcelain veneers are a versatile restoration that treats almost any cosmetic dental concern you can think of. Tooth discoloration is one of the most common issues patients encounter. We can treat most discoloration with professional teeth whitening, but not all staining responds. We color-match porcelain veneers to the shade you desire. They cover the front and sides of the teeth, hiding the discolored tooth from view.
Veneers treat teeth that experience chips, cracks, and breaks. They hide the unsightly issues from view and help to keep the tooth’s structure reliable. Veneers reinforce teeth that are weak or worn down. This restoration protects the tooth from harmful things like acids or further damage. They improve the overall integrity of the tooth.
Each veneer is custom-made to fit perfectly in your smile. If there are gaps between your teeth, they don’t always require orthodontic treatment. We can craft veneers that still look like the natural size in your smile, while closing those gaps. They can also mask teeth that are deformed and you aren’t happy with in your smile. It gives you an even, symmetrical smile.
Porcelain Veneers Aftercare
It is normal to feel sensitivity after the teeth have been prepared for the veneers. Avoid drinking or eating very cold or hot beverages and foods. You may also want to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods after treatment. Soft foods are easier on the teeth during the first few weeks after placing veneers. You may resume your regular diet once you have adjusted to your veneers.
Avoid biting down directly with all the pressure on your porcelain veneers. While they’re very strong, they aren’t indestructible. Habits like chewing on ice or pens can chip or damage your veneers. Don’t use your teeth to open up any packaging, either.
Talk to us about a custom mouthguard if you grind and clench your teeth at night. These habits put enormous pressure on your porcelain veneers that they’re not meant to withstand. They can damage the veneers or cause them to fail and fall off. A mouthguard keeps the pressure off the veneers.
Porcelain veneers do not require any special care. They can be brushed and flossed normally. However, be sure you’re using tools that won’t scratch or damage the veneers. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that’s nonabrasive.
We encourage patients to visit our office if there are any changes in the fit of their veneers or if they are old and damaged. Our team can repair the veneers or replace them with new ones. We also recommend that patients schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations so we can stay up to date on their oral health and how their veneers are doing.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Do you have questions about porcelain veneers? Continue reading to find answers to questions our patients often ask about dental veneers:
Can I whiten porcelain veneers?
No, if you have old or stained veneers, we can replace them. Veneers and other cosmetic and restorative treatments like tooth bonding and dental crowns cannot be whitened. This is because they are made of porcelain ceramic or biocompatible material.
How long do dental veneers last?
Dental veneers are the best option for patients who want long-lasting and permanent results. For long-lasting results, maintain your oral hygiene and schedule visits to our office. Veneers typically only require minor repairs after several years. Properly maintaining your oral health lengthens the lifespan of your cosmetic treatment.
Are there foods I can’t eat with porcelain veneers?
While veneers are extremely durable, it’s important to realize that they aren’t completely invulnerable. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided as much as possible. If you’re going to eat them, try to avoid fully biting down or chewing with the teeth that have veneers on them, as they can chip or crack the veneers.
Since veneers can’t be whitened, regular coffee or other staining food or drink can discolor the veneers.
Does getting porcelain veneers hurt?
No, there shouldn’t be any pain when you’re getting veneers. The only thing you may experience is some sensitivity to these teeth. This is due to the small amount of tooth structure that has to be removed for the veneers. The sensitivity should dissipate within a week or two.
How do I clean my teeth with porcelain veneers?
You don’t have to change your routine when you have veneers. Just brush and floss at least twice daily, and visit your dentist bi-annually for regular checkups.
Can I still get cavities with veneers?
Yes. The porcelain of the veneers won’t decay, but your regular teeth can still experience decay behind the veneers. This is why ensuring you’re keeping up with your oral healthcare is crucial.
Do veneers feel weird?
Adjusting to your new smile can take some time, as with any procedure. They’ll feel a bit different in your mouth. In about 1-2 weeks, you should be completely used to everyday life with your veneers.
Request a Dental Appointment Today
Call Bladenboro Family Dentistry for care today at 910-469-4592. You may also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. French or another member of her team on our website.