Naples Dentist answers your questions about Porcelain Dental Veneers
Does your smile make you hesitate to smile back at others? More than 36 percent of Americans do not like the appearance of their smile, according to a recent dental association study.
Discolored teeth, cracks and chips, and wide gaps, are cited as reasons people are hesitant to present a full smile to others, and it can have a decidedly negative effect on helping them land a new job, a second date, or realize their fullest potential in life, due to a nagging lack of confidence.
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your dental health and your overall lifestyle. They have one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of all cosmetic dental procedures. Our General Dentists have the proven experience of placing thousands of porcelain veneers. Our patients speak of their skills and the impact the outstanding appearance of their new veneers has made on their outlook on life.
If you are contemplating porcelain veneers, Dr. Engle answers some of the top questions you may have about the procedure.
- Who are the best candidates for dental veneers?
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are dental patients who have moderate tooth discoloration that cannot be lightened by traditional professional whitening methods, or who have uneven or chipped teeth. They should also have adequate tooth structure to allow secure bonding of the veneers, and the teeth and gums should be free of decay and periodontal disease. - Why is porcelain used for veneers?
Porcelain most closely resembles tooth enamel, as it can be custom colored to match or improve the tooth whiteness and has the translucency/ luster that are characteristic of our natural teeth. It is very strong and resistant to fracture despite its relative thinness. In addition, it is also stain resistant. - How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
Routine brushing and flossing is the same as it is with natural teeth. It is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy to ward off gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to your teeth loosening from their sockets. Even with porcelain veneers, your teeth are still susceptible to decay. - Is the placement process painful?
The porcelain veneer procedure is not painful. There may be some discomfort because your natural teeth are sanded with approximately 0.5 millimeters of enamel shaved away to prepare for the veneers. A local anesthetic will be administered and you could notice some slight gum sensitivity right after the procedure. While you are waiting for the final porcelain veneers, temporary veneers using composite materials will be placed. You may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold substances while wearing temporary veneers. - Why is a porcelain veneer a better choice than a porcelain crown?
While both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are the most esthetic choice for tooth restorations, a veneer is preferable because it maintains more of your natural tooth material than a crown, which makes it a more conservative treatment. It is also less costly.