Charlotte Porcelain Veneers
The Best Way to Get a Straight-Looking Smile
Maybe the top teeth in your mouth are a little crooked, cracked or discolored. Does that mean you cannot flash a straight smile without a lot of dental work? Absolutely not! Porcelain veneers have helped people just like you achieve a dream smile in very little time. Get fitted for porcelain veneers in Charlotte, NC, at the Engel Institute Dental Center.
What is Porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are incredibly thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the tops of your teeth. They are made specifically for your mouth, so they mimic the look of your other teeth and are the right size and color. Once in place, you can expect to enjoy your porcelain veneers for years to come with proper care!
In the case of a chipped or broken tooth, some people only get one veneer, but many get between six and eight veneers to create an even, symmetrical smile. The top front eight teeth are most commonly veneered.
Dental veneers are often used to treat the cosmetic cases such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Severe discoloration or uneven coloring that cannot be corrected with whitening
- Gaps between teeth
- Smaller than average teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
Veneers can last more than a decade, depending on the type of veneers you choose and how well you take care of them. This makes them a semi-permanent investment that can give you more confidence in your smile.
Porcelain Dental Veneers Procedure, Recovery, & Precautions
The procedure must be done in two appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will take x-rays to assess the health of your teeth. He will look for signs of decay, gum disease, or the need for root canals. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be a candidate for veneers just yet.
If your oral health allows it, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to send it to the lab that will make the veneers. It usually takes one to two weeks after your dentist took the impression to receive your veneers back from the lab.
The second appointment usually takes no more than two hours. Once your porcelain veneers arrive, you can schedule an appointment to have them placed. At this appointment, your dentist will evaluate the fit, shape, and color of the veneers to make sure they are perfect for you.
Next, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth. This is important because it prevents bacteria from getting trapped under the veneer and causing cavities. Next, your teeth will be finished with a grinder to create a rougher texture on them. This makes it easier for the veneer to adhere to the tooth. Your dentist then uses a dental cement to bond the veneer to the tooth. He uses ultraviolet light to quickly harden this cement, and once you leave the office, your new smile is ready!
Caring for your new Porcelain Veneers in Charlotte, NC
Once the veneers are cemented in place and the anesthesia wears off, you can eat and chew as usual. In some cases, after the veneers are applied you may notice that the veneers feel a little rough immediately after placement. These rough spots will wear off after a few days of normal eating and brushing; if they don’t, your dentist can smooth them out.
Traditional porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years, while no-prep veneers last about 5 to 7 years. If you take certain precautions, you can ensure that you get the longest life possible. These precautions include:
- Do not chew on hard objects such as pens, ice, or your fingernails.
- Never use your teeth to open packages or condiment packets.
- Try not to chew with your front teeth.
- Eat harder foods only with your back teeth
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, get a splint or retainer to protect your veneers.
- If you play sports, be sure to wear a mouth guard.
