Porcelain Veneers in Pinehurst

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin porcelain covers that are bonded to the outside of teeth to hide any cosmetic imperfections. Veneers can also restore the appearance of your smile by either closing large spaces between teeth, and hiding chipped, worn down or discolored teeth. They are capable of covering a crooked or uneven smile, making teeth appear naturally straight without making physical adjustments.

How do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers cover the front aspect of your teeth, mimicking the look and feel of real teeth. Veneers are custom-designed and fitted to be applied to teeth with a bonding agent to stick to teeth. In most cases, this means making several visits to the dentist to include: diagnosis, treatment planning, and the final treatment. Options are limitless when it comes to how many teeth can be esthetically covered by veneers.

Dr. Streets will work with you to choose the type and color of veneer that suits your smile and face so the veneers appear the way you envision them.

How are Dental Veneer Appointments Structured?

During the first consultation, Dr. Streets will ask you about what your goals are with getting veneers. The overall health of your mouth will be assessed, to include examination of the staining and damage you may want to cover up with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are not an appropriate treatment option for everyone, and Dr. Streets will help determine whether this procedure is right for you. This assessment could involve taking additional x-rays, making models and taking photographs.

The second visit encompasses the planning and preparation of your teeth for veneers. In general, the tooth will require preparation by the approximate thickness of the veneers so they don’t appear too large, or debond too quickly. After reshaping the teeth, scans of your mouth are taken to create a model. Within 2-4 weeks, your veneers will be ready to be shipped back to our clinic. In the meantime, Dr. Streets will fabricate temporary veneers that are custom-built to cover up and protect your prepared teeth.

Once the final veneers are ready to be bonded, Dr. Streets will insure that you are satisfied with the final product before cementing the veneers on your prepared teeth. After cementation, you’re ready to show off your new smile!

Should You Get Porcelain Veneers?

First: are you unhappy with the way your teeth look? Do you want them to look better? Do you have a single tooth that is slightly off-color and want it to match the healthy-looking ones? Are your teeth grey or yellow? Are your teeth slightly crooked, even after braces? If so, then porcelain veneers may be the solution for you.

How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?

Like many other things in dentistry, porcelain veneers do not last forever and are not a permanent solution to discolored teeth. Porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years, but they can chip or fracture sooner due to trauma or poor oral hygiene. Over time, gum disease may also manifest itself, or your gums may recede. At that point, the veneers will require replacement. Some patients, however, can go the rest of their lives not having to replace their veneers.

If your veneers have gotten old and worn, Dr. Streets may also recommend whitening your natural teeth so that the difference between those teeth and your new veneers won’t be so obvious.

Dr. Streets does want you to remember that once you have veneers, you will require replacement for the rest of your life. Reason for this is that once your natural teeth have been accommodated to the veneers, they can’t be reversed. For those who do not wish to file down their natural teeth, other effective alternatives exists: dental bonded veneers, and no-prep veneers. Make sure to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Streets, as the prognosis for each may not suit your individual esthetic needs.

Ultimately, if you want your dental veneers to last long, make sure to follow good oral hygiene habits, and make sure to schedule your re-care exams.

If you’re in Pinehurst or surrounding areas, please call our office at 910-240-2922 to get more information about Porcelain Veneers in Pinehurst.