Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers in Oak Hills
When you look in the mirror, does your focus instantly turn to your imperfect teeth? If discoloration, chips, or cracks are causing you to feel insecure about your appearance, you do not have to live with the results. You can get the smile that you have always wanted using one of the most preferred cosmetic procedures. Dr. D. Michael Miller will restore your confidence with porcelain veneers in Oak Hills. In as little as two appointments, you will have the drastic, natural-looking results that you have always wanted.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are quite versatile, allowing them to be used to cover several cosmetic concerns. By attaching thin shells to the front surfaces of your teeth, your imperfections are instantly hidden. Since porcelain closely mimics the appearance of your enamel, your results will look natural. Not to mention, porcelain also offers another benefit as well. It allows the veneers to be thinner than those made from other materials, so less of your tooth’s structure is removed during the bonding process.
How Can Veneers Help Me?
Your cosmetic dentist in San Antonio, Dr, Miller, can use veneers to correct several issues that cause you to feel insecure about your smile, like dark tooth discoloration. Veneers can hide tough stains that will not respond to traditional treatments to restore a bright, white appearance.
Overall, they improve the size, shape, and proportion of your teeth. This is the perfect option if you have chips or cracks. They can also enhance their size if they are shorter than average. Often, they are used as an alternative to braces because they can close gaps and make your teeth appear straighter. Now, you will not have to spend months wearing braces to get the straight smile that you have always wanted.
What Can I Expect During the Treatment?
After an initial consultation to see if you are a candidate for veneers, a customized treatment plan will be created. During the first phase, your teeth are cleaned, and a small amount of enamel will be removed to ensure that they will sit flush. Impressions are then taken to develop the veneers to meet your exact needs in a dental lab. While you wait, temporary ones will be attached. In a couple of weeks, you will return to our office to have your final veneers bonded in place.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
On average, veneers last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced. To protect your investment, it is best to use nonabrasive dental products when brushing and flossing. In addition, you will want to avoid anything that may cause them to chip or crack, like using your teeth as tools to open packages or biting into overly hard foods. Do not forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup every six months.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers in Springfield are an excellent option to correct several cosmetic flaws using one minimally invasive treatment, but you will need to permanently alter your teeth. We know this is a big decision, and you’re sure to have several questions. We’ll address your concerns during your initial consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help you make the best choice to get the results you want.
Unfortunately, there is not a set price for porcelain veneers because the cost is determined by several factors, like the number of teeth you’re treating and if you need any additional dental procedures, like a whitening treatment. In most cases, you can’t use your dental insurance to lower the cost because it’s considered an elective procedure, but we’ll still work on your behalf to file any necessary claims or paperwork to maximize your benefits.
We’ll provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the costs associated with the treatment. We’ll take the time to explain your payment options, like using third-party financing with CareCredit.
Veneers can be used to correct several imperfections, like discoloration, chips, and cracks. Sometimes, they can even be used as an alternative to braces. You can close gaps between your teeth or make your smile appear straighter in as few as 2 appointments instead of needing to wear braces for many months.
Unfortunately, there are some limitations. If you have significant bite or alignment issues, you might need braces before you can get veneers. Don’t worry, there are many discreet solutions available, like Invisalign. Your dentist in Springfield will evaluate your orthodontic concerns and discuss your aesthetic goals to ensure veneers are right for you.
You can get a veneer on a single tooth; however, your dentist will likely recommend you receive them on the front 2, 4, or 8 teeth. This creates more natural-looking results for a picture-perfect smile. We’ll explain how many veneers we suggest during your initial consultation to help you reach your dream smile.
The size of your teeth is equally important as their color and positions when creating a beautiful smile. If your teeth are shorter than average, you’ve probably heard you have a gummy smile. Gum contouring can be used to remove excess tissue to make your teeth appear larger, but you also have another option.
Often, porcelain veneers can be used to correct smaller than average teeth or those that have an abnormal shape. In some cases, your cosmetic dentist in Springfield may recommend gum contouring along with veneers to achieve the results you want.
Your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mike, will only recommend porcelain veneers if they are the ideal treatment for your smile. Since veneers are a cosmetic treatment, your teeth must be free from decay or gum disease before we can focus on the aesthetic elements of your smile. If you grind or clench your teeth, we may prescribe a nightguard to keep you from unconsciously damaging your new restorations. All of these issues will be addressed at your consultation appointment.
Once your teeth have been prepared for the veneers, we will take impressions of your pearly whites and send them off to a dental lab. From there, the skilled ceramists will begin meticulously crafting your brand-new smile that will look and feel perfectly natural while still adhering to your desired size, shape, and color.
Before you can get your veneers placed, it is necessary that Dr. Mike prepare your teeth. A very small portion of your enamel will be removed from your teeth. This layer is only about as thin as a contact lens. During this process, local anesthetic might be necessary, and your teeth might be a bit sensitive afterwards. For this reason, we can affix you with temporary veneers to protect your teeth while your new smile is being created.
Dental crowns, sometimes also referred to as “caps,” are dental restorations that slip over a tooth and completely cover it. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are only bonded to the front-facing surface of a tooth. Because less enamel is required to be removed to make room for a veneer than a crown, veneers are usually considered a more conservative treatment.
Just because your teeth have been restored with veneers doesn’t mean they’re immune to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. As a rule of thumb, the healthier and cleaner you keep your underlying teeth, the longer your veneers will last. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help maximize the lifespan of your veneers:
- Gently brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste two or three times a day.
- Floss at least once daily.
- Visit us for checkups and cleanings every six months to check on the status of your veneers and catch any potential problems as soon as possible.
- If you grind your teeth while you sleep, wear a nightguard to prevent dental damage.
- To keep your veneers free of cracks and chips, don’t chew on pens, ice, or hard candy.
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If you have questions about porcelain veneers, or you’re ready to start your transformation process, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.