According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has doubled within the last five years, meaning more people than ever before are opting to enhance their pearly whites! And among all of the various cosmetic treatment options that are readily available, few are as exceptional as porcelain veneers. But if you’re on the fence about receiving veneers, your dentist in Collinsville wants to share four things you should know before going into the process.
1. Veneers Hide Most Aesthetic Flaws
Porcelain veneers are a great option for masking minor aesthetic flaws in your teeth, and there are quite a few things they can fix! Your dentist will bond thin sheets of dental porcelain to the outer surfaces of the affected teeth, instantly improving their appearance tenfold. They can correct a wide range of issues including but not limited to chipped or cracked teeth, staining and discoloration, gaps between teeth, and more. But for serious problems like severely damaged or missing teeth, veneers aren’t effective since they need a strong surface to be bonded to.
2. They Can Address One or Multiple Teeth
Veneers can conveniently treat any number of teeth, whether it’s one, two, or an entire row! The freedom to pick and choose which teeth need treatment isn’t always an option when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, but with veneers, it’s encouraged. Even partial veneers can be used to cover certain parts of teeth!
3. The Process Takes Some Time
Despite the straightforwardness of the veneers process, placing them can still take several hours or even a second appointment. Your dentist must first prepare the teeth being treated by removing a small amount of enamel (5mm or less) from their outer surface, so the veneers can be properly bonded. Your dentist must also take impressions of your mouth so the veneers can be customized to fit inside. Finally, the veneers must be measured and precisely adjusted before they’re permanently placed. However, when you compare this treatment process to some of the other options that can sometimes take weeks or months to complete, the timetable isn’t lengthy.
4. Minimal Extra Maintenance Required
One of the cool things about veneers is that they don’t require any specialized care—you simply need to brush and care for them diligently, as you would your natural teeth! This will greatly help to preserve their integrity so that you can hopefully get at least 10 or so years out of them. Of course, visiting your dentist for regular preventive care will also ensure their longevity.
If you’re interested in receiving veneers to enhance your smile, don’t wait to talk with your dentist to see if it’s a viable option. Knowing what to expect going into the process, as well as how to care for them in the future, will ensure that things go smoothly and you’re happy with your results.
About the Practice
The team at Collinsville Dental Associates is honored to serve patients and families in the Collinsville, VA area. The practice is proud to offer a wide range of services including cosmetic options like porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about veneers or would like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (276) 647-1494.