Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me?

Porcelain veneers are a popular way to correct minor cosmetic flaws in the teeth. They are thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front surface of damaged or stained teeth to improve their appearance and protect them. You may want porcelain veneers because you have small gaps between the teeth, chips, or discolored areas. If you are wondering if veneers are the right choice to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, consider the following:

Your Teeth Need to be Healthy

Although porcelain veneers are designed to fix cosmetic flaws, they cannot fix a tooth that is decayed or so severely damaged that it affects your oral health. Your teeth must be cavity free and without any infection, and you must have signs of gum disease. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated before getting veneers. If veneers are not an option due to decay, broken teeth, or severe wear, veneers may not be the answer.

Porcelain Veneers are Customizable

If all of your teeth are discolored, you can cover them with veneers that are the precise shade and color you long for, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. If you plan to use veneers on just a few teeth to change the shape or size, Dr. Dani can custom-match the veneers to your other teeth for a seamless, natural appearance. You can try several sample veneers on an individual tooth to find the perfect match.

Veneers Can’t Be Placed in a Day

Veneers are tailored to your specific aesthetic goals and the size and shape of your natural teeth. At Kenilworth Dental Associates, we take an impression of your bite to use as a guide to create your porcelain veneers. While we wait for the permanent veneers, we prepare your teeth to accept them by lightly sanding the surface, then attach temporary veneers. When your permanent ones are ready, you will return to our office to have them attached to the teeth.

Veneers Require Commitment

Porcelain veneers last a decade or more but need to be periodically replaced. This is because we must create a rough surface on the teeth to attach the veneers. Exposing the teeth without protection after removing the veneers leads to damage and possible infection. Consider veneers a lifetime commitment.

You Have to Be Careful with Your Teeth

Although porcelain veneers are strong, they are made of thin shells and can be damaged if you use your teeth in ways not intended. You cannot rip open packages, bite your nails, or crunch on ice with porcelain veneers. These bad habits can loosen or chip your veneers.

Benefits of Porcelain Teeth Veneers

Despite the limitations outlined above, veneers remain one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. Consider the following advantages of porcelain veneers to improve your smile:

• Porcelain veneers can last 10 years or more, making them a long-lasting solution.
• Custom matching of shape, color, and brightness can give you the smile of your dreams.
• Porcelain veneers more closely resemble natural teeth than any other cosmetic correction. The shells are translucent, like natural teeth.
• Veneers are versatile. If you have multiple issues, like stains, chips, and small gaps, porcelain veneers can correct them all.
• Veneers are stain-resistant, so they will not discolor even if you drink coffee, tea, red wine, or soda.
• Veneers are not bulky, so they do not affect your speech or ability to chew comfortably.
• Porcelain veneers can give you the confidence to flash your new, beautiful smile more often.

If you are considering porcelain veneers, Dr. Dani can evaluate your teeth and help you choose the best option for enhancing your smile. Contact our office at Kenilworth Dental Associates Office Phone Number (847) 256-7700 to schedule a consultation.