Don’t love your smile? Well, the good news is that there is something that you can do about it. Smile makeovers are more achievable than ever, and one of the most popular approaches to smile makeovers is using porcelain veneers. Popular amongst celebrities such as George Clooney, Ben Affleck, and Demi Moore, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to help you achieve a beautiful and confident smile. But how exactly do porcelain veneers fix discolored, chipped, and crooked teeth? Read on to learn more.

What are porcelain veneers?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-fitted and adhere to the top outside layer of your teeth, giving them a more classically shaped look. The porcelain veneers used by Oxley Comprehensive Dental are used to re-create the natural look of teeth, providing strength and resilience.

Porcelain veneers are a great option in situations where the natural tooth has poor color or shape. It is also an excellent choice for fractured teeth, patients with gaps between their teeth, those whose tooth position is compromised, and for minor bite-related challenges. In addition, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching for some patients, so in these cases, porcelain veneers are a suitable option.

Patients who choose porcelain veneers often do so because of the following benefits:

• Strong and long-lasting: The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is 10 years.
• Natural-looking surface: Your veneers will blend in with your natural teeth.
• Protects your tooth health: Less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap.
• Stain-resistant: Porcelain is less prone to staining. 

And though all cosmetic dental procedures have benefits, there can be some downsides too. For example, when it comes to porcelain veneers, some things you should consider before going ahead include:

• Permanent solution: They are irreversible as your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel before the veneers will fit over your teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity: Removing a layer of enamel can make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and a veneer is not always thick enough to completely block this sensation.
• Not a solution for everyone: Veneers do not serve as an adequate dental restoration for teeth that are failing; in these cases, dental crowns are generally a better choice. 
• Long-term maintenance: Veneers do not last as long as dental restorations like bridges and dental crowns.
• Not impervious to damage: Porcelain veneers can chip and crack.

Who is a candidate for porcelain veneers?

By now, you have probably looked up photos of celebrities with porcelain veneers, and you are dreaming of what it would look like to have veneers on your own teeth. This isn’t surprising, really, as veneers are a fantastic work of artistic dentistry and are a popular cosmetic service in New Bern, NC. But, it is essential to know that not all patients are candidates for porcelain veneers. 

• You must have healthy teeth and gums, but don’t worry, as in most cases, tooth decay can be treated in advance before your veneers are placed.
• Veneers are not a good option for patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). If you have bruxism, be sure to let your dentist know as there are options to treat this condition through the use of a dental night guard.
• You will need sufficient tooth enamel so that the veneers can successfully adhere to the existing teeth. Most dentists will not place veneers on teeth with insufficient dental enamel.

What happens during a porcelain veneers consultation?

Setting up a consultation is the first step to discovering if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers. If you aren’t, there are other smile makeover solutions available. During your consultation, you will identify the cosmetic improvements you wish to make and why. Then, Dr. Oxley will use this information during his smile analysis while leveraging state-of-the-art digital dentistry options to do the imaging and planning, which takes far less time than the old impressions required to customize porcelain veneers in the past. 

With this new technology, you’ll be able to see a mock-up of your new smile as a way to “try on” your new look. This will help you see the final results before you decide to move forward. And since there is no cookie-cutter approach to veneers or cosmetic dentistry, you can rest assured that your smile makeover will be customized just for you.

Talk to the Oxley Comprehensive Dental team about how porcelain veneers can help fix your discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth.

If you are ready for a smile makeover to correct your discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth and you live in the New Bern, NC, area, now is the time to call our office to schedule an appointment or request an appointment using our online form. A consultation with Dr. Oxley can help us provide an initial recommendation for the best cosmetic option for you.