Many people have turned to porcelain veneers to enhance their smiles because they are capable of changing the shade, shape, and size of your teeth, which allows you to completely redesign your smile. However, you may wonder what the ramifications of this treatment is? Will it damage your teeth? How long do veneers last? Read on to determine if porcelain veneers may be the right solution for you.
What Is a Porcelain Veneer?
A veneer is a micro-thin shell of porcelain designed to fit over your tooth. Your Herndon dentist will need to remove a very minimal amount of tooth enamel to place your veneer, about a ½ millimeter. However, this does not damage your tooth, and since your veneers are bonded directly to them, they add strength as well as aesthetics.
They also provide the additional benefit of being stain resistant, which means that they won’t discolor at the rate your natural tooth enamel does.
You will be able to brush and floss your teeth normally with porcelain veneers, and with excellent home care and regular dental checkups they can potentially last for 12 to 15 years.
What Types of Cosmetic Concerns do Porcelain Veneers Restore?
Veneers are designed to cover imperfections, and they can help with issues such as:
- Spacing between teeth
- Stains and discoloration
- Size discrepancies or misshapen teeth
- Teeth that are chipped or fractured
- Repairing excessive wear
- Small misalignment concerns
Are There Any Disadvantages to Choosing Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment, so it’s important to consider this before moving forward because treatment is irreversible.
You will also need to wear a night guard while you sleep if you suffer from bruxism (clenching and grinding) since this could cause your veneers to come off.
Porcelain veneers are not ideal if you are suffering from gum disease, as they need a strong foundation of healthy gums for proper support. Veneers also require a commitment to an excellent home care routine as bacteria and decay could develop under the restoration due to poor oral hygiene.
Would You Like to Learn More?
If you are interested in learning if porcelain veneers can enhance your smile, start by scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Herndon. They can determine if veneers are right for your needs and suggest alternative treatment procedures if they’re not.
Contact your dentist today to arrange a commitment free consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Sonia Dilolli serves patients in Herndon, VA and its surrounding communities. She has extensive advanced training in the field of cosmetic dentistry and she’s passionate about helping patients achieve not only healthy, but also beautiful smiles.
If you would like to contact Dr. Dilolli, she can be reached online or by calling 703-935-0031.