Looking for a way to brighten, straighten, or otherwise improve the appearance of your teeth? Want to make sure your smile enhancement will last for as long as possible? You should ask your dentist about porcelain veneers.
This cosmetic dental treatment involves attaching custom-made shells to the front of the teeth to build the beautiful smile of your dreams based on your specific aesthetic goals. Though the benefits seem clear, some dental patients worry about introducing fixtures to their teeth.
You can feel more at ease pursuing veneer treatment when you know what to expect from the procedure. Read on to find responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions regarding porcelain veneers that will alleviate lingering dental anxiety.
Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?
One of the leading causes of dental fear is the anticipation of pain during a dental procedure. You can rest assured that the porcelain veneer treatment will not hurt.
The process involves removing a minute amount of tooth enamel to improve the adhesion of the veneers to the teeth. Your dentist can provide you with a local anesthetic. This medication numbs the area so that you feel no discomfort during this treatment.
Some people may feel slight sensitivity in their teeth directly after receiving veneers. But this sensation will fade within a few days. The veneers should not hurt significantly once on your teeth. If you do feel pain in your veneers, contact your dentist because this is not normal.
Can Porcelain Veneers Break?
Dentists build veneers out of porcelain because it is a durable material that can stay intact while you complete your usual oral functions, like chewing and biting. Plus, dentists use dental bonding as a cement to hold veneers in place on the teeth. With this combination, you can look forward to a secure placement of veneers on your smile that can last for fifteen years with proper care.
However, veneers are not completely indestructible. Under abnormally high amounts of pressure, a veneer could chip, crack, or dislodge from the tooth. To avoid this scenario, avoid biting on hard items like fingernails or ice.
If your veneers break, make sure you call your dentist right away. The dentist will need to repair or replace damaged veneers as soon as possible to prevent harm to the underlying teeth.
How Will Porcelain Veneers Enhance My Smile?
Porcelain veneers are deemed a cosmetic dental treatment, meaning their purpose is to improve the appearance of your teeth. Dentists employ an individualized approach to smile enhancement. This way, you can achieve a gorgeous finish that looks natural to your smile and does not compromise your oral health.
With veneers, you can cover stubborn stains on your teeth, close gaps in your smile, make your teeth appear straighter and more regular in shape, and fix minor cracks or chips in the teeth. If you see these aesthetic concerns in your smile, reach out to your dentist to learn if veneers are the right way to boost the look of your teeth.