If the reason you don’t smile is because of cracks and chips on your teeth, porcelain veneers may be a viable solution. Made of strong, tooth-colored porcelain, veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit the size and shape of your teeth. Mission Viejo dentist Dr. Robert Milner uses porcelain veneers to create seamless smiles that are both natural-looking and resilient. Read on to learn whether porcelain veneers can transform your smile into a beautiful, healthy one.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Porcelain veneers are used to address the following dental problems:
- Gaps and spaces between teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- A crooked smile
- Cracked, chipped or misshapen teeth
- Teeth damaged by tooth decay
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
Porcelain veneers are typically placed over the course of two visits to our Mission Viejo office. Each stage is painless and typically requires only a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed through the entire process. During your first visit, Dr. Milner will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth where the veneers will be placed. Next, he will make an impression of your teeth in order to create custom-made veneers that fit the size and shape of your teeth. Your veneers will be matched to the color of your teeth using a tooth shade guide. Dr. Milner will send the impression to the dental laboratory so your custom veneers can be made.
Once your veneers are ready, you will return to our office for placement. Dr. Milner will remove the temporary veneers and place your new porcelains veneers. Before bonding the veneers to your teeth, the dentist will check your bite and make sure that the veneers look and feel right.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers
Maintaining the durability and beauty of your porcelain veneers requires optimal oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is essential. Our dental team also recommends avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your veneers and natural teeth. Professional cleanings and checkups with our dental practice can keep your smile dazzling for years to come.
Dr. Milner: The Trusted Choice
Dr. Milner understands that even the smallest chip or crack is enough reason to hide your smile. With porcelain veneers, he helps patients achieve a more beautiful smile by concealing dental flaws. Porcelain veneers also protect your teeth from bacteria that can cause decay, ensuring your new smile is both beautiful and healthy.
Common Misconceptions about Porcelain Veneers
- Misconception 1: Veneers look unnatural. Modern porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth, providing a very natural appearance.
- Misconception 2: The veneer application process is painful. The process of applying veneers involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia can be used to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Misconception 3: Veneers require the removal of most of your natural tooth. Only a very thin layer of the tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer, preserving the majority of the natural tooth structure.
- Misconception 4: Veneers are only for the front teeth. While veneers are most commonly applied to the front teeth, they can be used on any teeth that are visible when smiling or talking, depending on the individual’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Porcelain Veneers
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
You may be a good candidate for veneers if you are bothered by discolored, stained, chipped, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth. Your dentist can examine your teeth, assess your oral health and recommend whether veneers or another cosmetic or restorative solution will suit your needs.
How are porcelain veneers different from crowns?
Crowns are something that you need to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. Veneers are something you choose to have applied to your teeth to improve their appearance. Also, crowns cover the entire exterior of your tooth, whereas veneers are only applied to the front of the teeth.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Although the veneer itself may need to be replaced at some point, once a tooth has been prepared for a veneer, it will always need to be covered with a restoration of some kind.
Can I brush and floss with porcelain veneers?
Yes, You must brush and floss your teeth like normal to remove food particles and bacteria from the teeth. Otherwise, you make yourself vulnerable to tooth decay and other problems. Luckily, you can brush and floss your veneered teeth exactly the same as you would your natural teeth.
Does the process of getting a porcelain veneer hurt?
No. The affected tooth or teeth will be numbed so you do not feel any pain or discomfort. If you have multiple veneers placed, you might feel slightly sore as the numbing medicine wears off. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can alleviate any discomfort.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
On average, porcelain veneers should last around 10-15 years if cared for correctly. To extend the life of your veneers it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, avoid chewing on hard objects, address any issues you may have with teeth grinding, and use a mouth guard if playing contact sports. If for any reason your veneers experience damage, contact Dr. Milner right away and he will be happy to assist you.
How strong are veneers?
Porcelain veneers are composed of durable and natural looking materials that make them resistant to damage. However, similar to natural teeth, it is possible for them to crack so it is important to treat them with care.
Can I still get cavities if I have veneers?
While the material of the veneers does not decay, the existing teeth that the veneer is bonded to is still susceptible to cavities, so it is important to brush and floss every day, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Will my dental insurance cover porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are generally considered to be a cosmetic procedure so your insurance may not cover the costs. However, this can vary depending on the reason why you are getting veneers and your specific dental insurance plan. It is best to consult your insurance provider to see if they will pay for your veneers.
How many veneers can I get at once?
The number of veneers you can get at one time depends on your specific needs and goals. Some patients opt for a single veneer to correct a chipped or discolored tooth, while others may choose to have veneers placed on multiple teeth to create a uniform, bright smile. Generally, veneers can be applied to all front-facing teeth that are visible when you smile. Dr. Milner will work with you to determine the optimal number of veneers for your desired outcome, ensuring a natural and harmonious look.
Is there a less expensive alternative to veneers?
Yes, there are less-expensive alternatives to porcelain veneers, such as dental bonding and composite resin veneers. Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to the tooth’s surface, which is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Composite resin veneers offer a similar appearance to porcelain veneers but at a lower cost. However, it’s important to note that these alternatives may not offer the same durability or stain resistance as porcelain veneers. Dr. Milner can discuss all available options with you to find a solution that meets your aesthetic goals and budget.
Will veneers improve my oral health?
While porcelain veneers are primarily considered a cosmetic solution, they can have some benefits for oral health. By covering damaged, cracked, or chipped teeth, veneers can protect against further deterioration and reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay in these teeth. However, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, as veneers do not protect against gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial to maintaining both your natural teeth and veneers in good condition.
How easily do porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining compared to natural tooth enamel. This resistance is due to the smooth, non-porous surface of porcelain, which prevents stain-causing substances from penetrating the material. Common dietary culprits like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, which typically stain natural teeth, are less likely to leave a lasting mark on porcelain veneers.
However, it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to keep your veneers looking their best. While the veneers themselves do not stain easily, the adhesive or bonding agent used to attach them to your teeth can become discolored over time if not properly cared for. Additionally, the margin where the veneer meets the natural tooth can accumulate stains if plaque is allowed to build up.
If you would like to know whether porcelain veneers can address your dental needs, contact the dental practice of Dr. Milner. Please call 949-859-8899 today.
