Are stains, chips, gaps, or other dental issues affecting your smile and your self-confidence? Porcelain veneers might be the perfect option for you.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of your teeth by correcting issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignment, creating a natural, enhanced, and long-lasting smile.
More durable and stain-resistant than other veneer options, porcelain veneers are also the top veneer option for emulating the light-reflecting features of natural teeth. The Mint Dental uses Japanese porcelain veneers made in leading labs in New York City, where cosmetic dentistry was founded and where Dr. Armstrong studied.
CONSULTATION
Getting veneers can take as many as three separate visits to the dentist. The first visit will be a consultation where your dentist will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and assess your oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers.
If you are a good candidate, your dentist will explain the procedure, cost, timeline, benefits, and any potential risks. If you decide to proceed, the dentist may also make impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan during that same visit.
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
After your initial consultation, your dentist will begin preparing your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface in order to ensure a proper fit for the veneers. If your dentist hasn’t already, he will then take impressions or digital scans of your teeth, which will then be sent to a dental lab where your custom porcelain veneers will be created. At this point, your dentist will likely install temporary veneers, as it can take a few weeks for your permanent veneers to be ready.
When your veneers are ready to be installed, your dentist will trim them until they fit properly, and then clean, polish, and etch — or roughen — your teeth to help them bond with your veneers. He will apply cement to the veneers and then place the veneers on your teeth before using a special light beam to harden and dry the cement.
Lastly, your dentist will examine your bite, remove any excess cement, and make any last-minute adjustments. He will also typically schedule a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to make sure your veneers haven’t shifted and aren’t disturbing your gums.
MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance of veneers requires twice daily brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste, as well as regular flossing to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. You should also avoid biting into hard foods like ice or using your teeth as tools to rip or open objects, as that can cause you to chip or crack the veneers. You should also limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or other beverages that can cause stains, as well as consider using a straw to minimize contact with your veneers.
If you follow these tips, as well as visit your dentist regularly, your new smile can keep looking new for decades to come.
Contact Dr. Armstrong today to make an appointment to learn more about how porcelain veneers can transform your smile.
