If you’ve set your sights on porcelain veneers and want them for your smile, that’s great! It’s also understandable if you still have a few questions before you sit down with one of our Brighton, MI, cosmetic dentists for a veneers consultation. We want you to be sure of your decision and other options, should veneers not turn out to be the best for your particular goals.
To help clear a few things up in the meantime, here’s a list of answers to common questions patients often ask about the veneers procedure.
Custom-made shells crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, veneers are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Depending on what you need, our local cosmetic dentists can use them to correct tooth discoloration, small gaps in between teeth, chipped teeth, or worn enamel.
Porcelain dental veneers can address several cosmetic issues at once. For example, is very much possible when discoloration doesn’t respond to whitening. Patients also may choose to pursue veneers for small teeth, uneven edges, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment. Many people use veneers as part of a full smile makeover.
Yes, teeth and gums need to be healthy before the . Cavities, gum disease, or weakened enamel must be treated by our dentists first. This means that in some cases, additional dental care has to happen across separate appointments before we can proceed with placing veneers. This step helps ensure veneers last as long as possible.
The porcelain veneers process typically takes multiple visits to our Brighton, MI, dental office, if you chose the traditional option. During the first appointment, our dentists will evaluate your smile, discuss goals, and prepare the teeth in line for veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed at this time to make sure the incoming veneers fit well and are not too bulky. Digital impressions are then taken so your custom dental veneers can be created. Once back from the dental lab, the final veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Yes, veneers are designed to appear like natural teeth thanks to the materials used which give them the ability to reflect light. The color, shape, and size are all custom tailored by our dentists, which helps the veneers blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
With proper care, porcelain tooth veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help extend their lifespan. Our dentists may recommend wearing a night guard while you sleep if you are prone to grinding or clenching. That way, your results can be preserved for longer.
Minimal-prep veneers and no-prep veneers both require less enamel removal than the traditional option. Minimal-prep veneers are ideal for patients with mild to moderate cosmetic concerns who still want the durability and beauty of this procedure but without the more involved tooth reduction associated with traditional veneer placement.
For patients looking for the most conservative option, no-prep veneers are the least invasive choice. Since no-prep veneers are bonded directly to the tooth’s surface without significant modification, they’re perfect for patients with minor cosmetic imperfections, such as slight discoloration, small gaps, or minimal chips. Their thinner structure also makes them best suited for patients who want a quicker smile makeover with minimal alteration to their natural teeth.
Strictly speaking, porcelain veneers don’t require specialized care. Brushing, flossing, and visiting our dentists on a regular basis are all still recommended. That said, while porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, you do need to care for them as you would natural teeth.
For example, excessive coffee drinking can stain your veneers. Also, using your front teeth to bite down on hard foods such as ice can cause your veneers to chip if you’re not careful. As long as you take good care of your dental veneers, they will last you for years to come.
Are you ready to get started with veneers? Our cosmetic dentists in Brighton, MI, would be more than happy to speak with you and evaluate your smile. Call Schaefer Dental Group today at (810) 229-2126 or contact us online to request an appointment.