If you desire a complete smile makeover for yourself, porcelain veneers are an excellent option to consider. With porcelain veneers, our dentists can completely transform your natural smile using the veneers to cover imperfections and make your dental aesthetics more uniform. They can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as spaces between teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and teeth that are discolored or stained. Learn more about porcelain veneers below.
Porcelain Veneers in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney offer experienced cosmetic dentistry services in Suffolk, VA. They utilize porcelain veneers to help patients achieve complete smile makeovers.
Because veneers are a minimally invasive treatment option for replacing the front-facing portion of a tooth, patients can receive one veneer or a full mouth of veneers depending on their cosmetic needs and budgetary goals.
With a few strategically placed porcelain veneers, our doctors can transform your natural smile into the smile of your dreams.
What are Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that cover only the front-facing portion of your tooth. They can conceal bleach-resistant stains, misshapen teeth, or crooked teeth. Patients love porcelain veneers because they do not require much enamel removal to make space for the veneer. Once applied, porcelain veneers will blend in with your natural smile and can be maintained for many years as long as your practice good at-home oral hygiene habits.
Dental veneers can create a perfectly uniform smile. It is the easiest way to alter the appearance of the teeth creating a gorgeous smile. In doing this, patients will gain more confidence in their appearance and smile more. Teeth veneers are bonded to the front and sides of each tooth, requiring little to no extra care. However, a proper oral hygiene routine is a must to keep the underlying teeth healthy. This includes visiting the dentist every six months and brushing and flossing daily.
If you develop tooth decay or gum disease, you risk altering the veneer’s fit, which will need to be removed. This popular cosmetic dentistry treatment will look and feel natural in your mouth and add strength and stability to the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
Patients often wonder about the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Porcelain veneers are traditionally used to achieve ideal cosmetic results, while dental crowns are typically used for restorative purposes. Dental crowns replace the entire exterior of your natural tooth for improved functionality following dental damage. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, allow you to keep most of your natural tooth intact beneath the veneer, simply helping you achieve more uniform smile aesthetics.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Are porcelain veneers the right choice for your cosmetic dentistry needs? Learn more about veneers by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
Veneers are just as strong as your natural teeth. However, excessive force or pressure can damage their surface. Veneers are strong and durable, so any damage is rare.
Can I get an infection under veneers?
Yes, it is possible. If a tooth with a porcelain veneer develops an infection, the dentist must remove it before clearing the infection. We can restore the tooth with a new veneer or dental crown but can not place the same veneer. Your dentist can remove and replace a veneer for many reasons. Removal can be difficult, but replacement is generally a simple procedure.
How long does it take gums to heal after veneers?
After veneer placement, soreness in the gums and teeth may last up to three weeks. Patients may also experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. Minor alterations to speech are also possible.
Can you get a cavity in a veneer?
Porcelain veneers are immune to the development of cavities. However, the tooth under the veneer is still vulnerable to decay. You must maintain a strict oral hygiene routine after your treatment to ensure your teeth are healthy underneath your veneers.
How long do veneers last?
Your veneers can last about 15 to 20 years. Veneer cap damage, such as chips and cracks, may prompt a premature replacement, but this is uncommon. They may last a lifetime if you take good care of your veneers.
Do porcelain veneers pop off easily?
Although dental veneers are typically strong, breakage and cracks can still occur. The same force or tension that might break down the veneers can also make them fall off the teeth. This is rare, but it can happen. If your veneer does happen to pop off your tooth, attempt to save it and contact our office immediately.
Are veneers noticeable to the naked eye?
It isn’t easy to detect if someone is wearing veneers when made by an expert dentist. This is due to how closely your teeth and well-designed veneers resemble each other. Veneers use color matching to match your natural tooth enamel, so they match the exact shape, color, and size of your natural teeth.
Do porcelain veneers cause bad breath?
If porcelain veneers do not fit correctly, they may leave behind tiny ledges that can collect food particles and mouth bacteria. As a result, a buildup of oral bacteria can lead to decay, gum disease, and bad odors. Poor-fitting veneers may be the cause of your bad breath.
Start Your Smile Makeover Today
Our Suffolk dentists are here to help you achieve a smile you can feel confident about showing off. Schedule a cosmetic consultation today to get started on your dream smile. Our compassionate and highly-trained dental professionals will sit down with you and discuss your options, making suggestions as to what we think would help improve your smile the most. Our dental care team looks forward to seeing you in our Suffolk, VA dentist office soon.