Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic that we use to cover the front of the teeth. This long-lasting cosmetic dental treatment treats stained teeth, damaged or injured teeth, and gaps between teeth. We ensure that patients have a good amount of healthy tooth enamel, with no problems with tooth decay, gum disease, or TMJ before recommending veneers.
These problems can impact the fit and look of the veneers as well as the health of the teeth underneath.
Porcelain Veneers in Leland, NC
We will assess your oral health to ensure that you are healthy enough to receive cosmetic treatment. To begin treatment, we prepare your teeth by removing a small portion of the tooth enamel. This is done so that the veneers easily conform to the teeth. We will then take impressions of the teeth that are sent to a dental laboratory.
After the veneers are complete, we place the porcelain veneers on the teeth to check the fit and color. Finally, the veneers are permanently cemented to the teeth.
The number of veneers that you need depends on your budget and oral health goals. Some patients may only need one veneer to cover a single tooth while others may want to cover all of their teeth. During a consultation with our team, we can figure out how many veneers are needed for your treatment.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Dental veneers are best for patients that are committed to permanent cosmetic care. After several years, you may need to come to our office for minor repairs. But for the best results, brush and floss gently and visit at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination. Properly maintaining the health of your teeth and gums lengthens the lifespan of restorative and cosmetic dental care.
What Dental Problems Do Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Porcelain veneers are a versatile treatment that can correct many dental imperfections. Many people choose veneers to fix issues that make them self-conscious about their smiles.
1. Stained or Discolored Teeth
Teeth can become stained over time due to coffee, tea, wine, smoking, or certain medications. Some stains do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. Porcelain veneers cover deep stains and discoloration, providing a long-lasting, bright white smile. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining, so they stay white for many years with proper care.
2. Chipped or Worn Teeth
Accidents, teeth grinding, or biting on hard objects can cause teeth to chip or wear down. This can make the teeth look uneven or damaged. Porcelain veneers restore teeth’s natural shape and appearance by covering chips and rebuilding worn edges. This helps protect the teeth from further damage while improving their look.
3. Gaps Between Teeth
Some people have small gaps between their teeth that they want to close without braces. Veneers can be shaped to fill in these spaces, creating a more uniform and balanced smile. Since veneers are custom-made, they provide a natural look while improving the alignment of the teeth.
4. Mildly Crooked or Uneven Teeth
For slightly misaligned teeth, veneers can create the illusion of a straight smile without needing orthodontic treatment. While veneers do not move teeth like braces or clear aligners, they can cover minor alignment issues and make the teeth appear more symmetrical.
5. Irregularly Shaped Teeth
Some naturally have teeth that are too small, too pointed, or oddly shaped. Veneers can reshape these teeth, making them look more even and proportionate. This can give a person’s smile a more balanced and attractive appearance.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer many advantages, making them one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. Below are the key benefits of choosing veneers to enhance your smile.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the look of natural teeth. They reflect light like real enamel, making them blend seamlessly with the rest of the smile. Dentists customize veneers to match the patient’s natural tooth color, size, and shape, ensuring a flawless appearance.
Long-Lasting and Durable
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more. The ceramic material used to create veneers is strong and resistant to chipping and staining, making them a long-term investment in both appearance and oral health.
Stain Resistance
Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers do not absorb stains from food, drinks, or tobacco. Patients can enjoy coffee, tea, and wine without worrying about discoloration. Regular brushing and flossing keep veneers looking bright and clean for many years.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Compared to other dental treatments, getting veneers is a relatively simple and minimally invasive process. Only a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth to make room for the veneers, allowing patients to improve their smiles without major alterations to their natural teeth.
Quick Transformation
Many dental treatments, such as braces, take months or even years to achieve results. Veneers provide an instant improvement, often within just a few weeks. Once the final veneers are placed, the patient enjoys a straighter, whiter, and more symmetrical smile.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
A beautiful smile can greatly enhance a person’s confidence. Many people who feel embarrassed about their teeth hesitate to smile or speak in social settings. Porcelain veneers can eliminate those insecurities, allowing people to smile freely and feel more comfortable in social and professional situations.
Protects and Strengthens Teeth
Veneers improve appearance and strengthen weak or damaged teeth. By covering worn enamel, veneers provide extra protection against further damage, helping maintain the teeth’s structure and preventing future issues.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
There are multiple commonly asked questions about porcelain veneers that we would like to answer for our patients:
What do dental veneers treat?
Porcelain veneers are used to treat:
- Chips and cracks in teeth
- Severely stained or discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Fractured teeth
How long does it take for veneers to settle?
On average it takes about two weeks for porcelain veneers to settle. During the first two weeks after they are placed patients may feel minor discomfort, however this should go away within two weeks.
How long do porcelain veneers stay white?
Porcelain veneers should stay white for around 10 years. The average lifespan for veneers is about 10-12 years. After that time we recommend replacing them.
Do porcelain veneers hurt?
No, we use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area during porcelain veneer treatment. We can also use nitrous oxide for patients with dental fear or anxiety so they feel relaxed and calm. You will feel no pain during treatment but may feel some soreness afterward. Over-the-counter pain medicine can restore your comfort and minimize any swelling.
Are veneers permanent?
Although porcelain veneers are not truly permanent, they last for many years when cared for properly. Maintaining a good diet, brushing and flossing at home, and visiting our office for routine visits keep porcelain veneers in good shape. During routine dental visits, we can repair any areas of damage and ensure that the veneers fit properly.
How much tooth has to be removed for veneers?
For veneers, only a thin layer of enamel—about 0.5 to 1 millimeter—is removed. This ensures the veneers fit properly and look natural without making your teeth bulky.
Call Our Waterford Dental Office
Restore balance to your smile with our porcelain veneer treatment. Schedule a consultation with our team online or call our Waterford, North Carolina dental office today at 910-519-1624.