What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-fitted shells applied to the surface of your natural teeth. They reflect light and resist stains, transforming the look of your smile in as little as two visits. While different types of veneers for teeth are available, porcelain veneers are solid and stain-resistant.
A consultation with a cosmetic dentist at Thrive Dental will determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers or if another material is more suitable.
Porcelain dental veneers can be used to cosmetically treat teeth that are:
- Broken
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Discolored
- Misaligned
- Undersized
If you’re concerned about veneers being too big or bright, you needn’t worry when you rely on Thrive Dental & Orthodontics for professional cosmetic dentistry. Our high-quality dental veneers are made to look, feel, and function like dental enamel. We measure your teeth and carefully select the size, shape, and shade best suits your facial features and skin tone for a truly natural appearance.
What to Expect
Smile remodeling with porcelain veneers is a simple, two-step process.
1.Examination
First, we begin with a relaxing consultation in our Thrive Dental & Orthodontics office. Our porcelain veneers dentist examines your teeth and discusses your dental concerns and goals. This helps us learn what you hope to achieve aesthetically so we can design your smile accordingly.
Next, we numb the area using a local anesthetic or some other form of sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Once the area is numb, the cosmetic dentist gently removes a small layer of enamel from your natural teeth to accommodate the new veneer.
After that, we take impressions of your teeth to provide a comfortable and precise fit. Our trusted outside lab uses these impressions to create your custom veneers off-site. Once they are ready, we bring you in for your follow-up appointment. Temporary in-house veneers are applied until your porcelain veneers are ready. This generally takes around four weeks.
2.Application
The second appointment completes your smile makeover with porcelain veneers. During this visit, our dentist checks your custom veneers to make sure the color, shape, and fit are ideal before permanently bonding them to your natural teeth. We encourage you to let us know if you’re unsure about the look of your veneers. If so, we’ll work directly with the dental lab to make any necessary revisions to ensure your satisfaction.
There is no downtime after your porcelain veneers are applied. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you can resume normal activities immediately, including eating and drinking.
Porcelain veneers are easy to care for. To keep them looking their best, we recommend using a soft-bristle brush, gentle toothpaste, and floss to clean your teeth. Hard or sticky foods should be avoided.
Cost of Porcelain Veneers
As with any dental treatment, the cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the extent of treatment required. Although the cost per tooth may be higher than other cosmetic dental techniques, consider that improvements with veneers are often quicker and less complex than if you combine multiple treatments to achieve the same results.
Ultimately, veneers can be a more cost-effective option to give you a bright and beautiful smile for years to come.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Modern porcelain veneers are more durable than ever. With good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings and exams, your cosmetic porcelain veneers can last up to a decade or more. Some research even shows that veneers can last up to 20 years!
To learn more about improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry, book your appointment online with Thrive Dental & Orthodontics. We have offices in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas.
