If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, several cosmetic dentistry treatments can fix that. Porcelain veneers offer a transformative solution for various dental imperfections that can help enhance your smile and confidence. The team of dentists at Longview Family Dental can provide custom porcelain veneers in Longview, TX, to help you with a brighter, more beautiful smile.
Veneers can cover stained teeth, small gaps between teeth, worn teeth, black triangles, and more. We provide veneers to cover one or all teeth that show when you smile. For some patients, veneers offer a versatile alternative to braces or teeth whitening treatment.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-designed shells bonded to the front surface of teeth. Teeth veneers are made of high-quality materials that are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of natural teeth. This will create a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Dental veneers made from porcelain are attractive, durable, and versatile. This makes them a popular choice for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth.
What Types of Cosmetic Issues Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Dental veneers address a variety of cosmetic problems. Veneers can treat:
- Stained or Discolored Teeth: Dental veneers are a popular treatment for stained or discolored teeth that do not respond to professional teeth whitening. This includes stains caused by excessive fluoride, tetracycline, or other causes. They offer a permanent solution to teeth whitening when conventional methods are not an option.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: We can place veneers to hide tooth chips and fractures. This will restore the tooth’s appearance and improve the smile. It will also protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
- Misaligned or Irregularly Shaped Teeth: Porcelain veneers can conceal misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth and create a uniform and straight smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Dental veneers can close minor gaps between teeth. Veneers can create a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Worn Down Teeth: Your dentist may suggest teeth veneers to restore the length and shape of worn-down teeth. This will improve the bite, rejuvenate the smile, and improve functionality.
Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Most people will qualify for porcelain veneers. If you are in good health, have good oral health, and have oral hygiene habits, you can likely get dental veneers. Before our cosmetic dentists treat a patient with teeth veneers, they will require a consultation. Our dentists will assess your oral health and discuss your goals. Generally, candidates should have:
Sufficient Tooth Enamel
To place veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. This step is necessary to create space for the veneers and ensure they fit properly. Candidates need to have enough healthy enamel to support the veneers. Without sufficient enamel, the restoration may not bond effectively or could weaken the tooth structure.
Good Oral Health
Veneers are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, but they don’t fix underlying oral health issues. If you have gum disease, cavities, or other dental problems, these will need to be treated before you can get veneers. Healthy teeth and gums provide a stable foundation, which is essential for the long-term success of your veneers.
Realistic Expectations
While veneers can dramatically enhance your smile, they don’t make your teeth invincible. Patients should expect natural-looking results, not perfection, and understand that veneers require care and maintenance. Being committed to good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, will ensure the veneers last as long as possible.
If you want an alternative to veneers, we may recommend minimal-prep veneers, no-prep veneers, and tooth bonding. These treatments will not change the shape of your teeth.
While these options take less time and require less tooth removal, they do not last as long. We will help you decide which cosmetic treatment is best for you.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Before treatment, we will take X-rays to determine if you are healthy enough for treatment. You will also visit for a consultation, where we will review your budget, health, and smile goals.
Once we determine you are a candidate, we will begin treatment. We will create a treatment plan custom-made for your smile. Our office will work with you to see how many veneers you need. If you have a single problem tooth, we will recommend one veneer. A full set of veneers will consist of eight veneers. These veneers will cover the upper and lower teeth in your smile line.
The steps of the veneer process include:
Preparation and Impressions
The first step is to prepare the teeth. Your dentist must remove a small amount of tooth enamel to create room for the tooth veneer. This is typically less than a millimeter from the tooth’s surface. Then, we will take dental impressions that will be used to fabricate your dental veneers.
Creating the Veneers
A dental lab will make your permanent dental veneers, which takes a few weeks. In the meantime, we will create and place temporary veneers here in our office. The temporary veneers will protect the prepared teeth while the dental laboratory crafts the permanent veneers.
Final Veneer Placement
Once the permanent custom veneers are ready, you will return to the office about 2 to 3 weeks later. First, we will remove your temporary dental veneers. Then, we will check the shape and shade of the veneers.
Our dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure the veneers fit comfortably and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Finally, we will use a special adhesive to bond your new porcelain veneers to your teeth. We will polish the veneers for a natural shine.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
Proper care is crucial to maintain the longevity and appearance of your porcelain veneers in Longview, TX:
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day to keep your veneers clean and your mouth healthy. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your veneers. Scratches can make them dull or more prone to staining over time.
Avoid Staining Substances
While porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth, they’re not completely stain-proof. To keep your veneers bright and white, limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods or drinks. Also, avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as these can also discolor your veneers.
Protect Your Veneers from Damage
Veneers are strong, but they can chip or crack under too much pressure. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard. This custom appliance will protect your veneers and natural teeth while you sleep. Also, avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pen caps to prevent accidental damage.
Visit Our Dentist Regularly
Keep up with routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings. During these visits, your dentist can check your veneers to make sure they’re in good condition and address any potential issues early. Regular check-ups also help maintain your overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do veneers feel different from natural teeth?
After a short adjustment period, veneers should feel natural in your mouth. Some patients initially notice slight thickness, but well-made veneers are smooth and comfortable. If they feel uncomfortable, your dentist can make minor adjustments.
Can veneers be placed on just one or two teeth?
Yes, depending on your needs, veneers can be placed on a single tooth or multiple teeth. Some people get veneers for one chipped or discolored tooth, while others choose a full set for a uniform smile makeover. We will help you determine the best option for your smile.
How many veneers do I need for a smile makeover?
The number of veneers needed depends on your smile goals and how many teeth show when you smile. Some people get just 2-4 veneers to fix visible imperfections, while others opt for 8-10 veneers for a full smile transformation.
Can veneers be placed over existing crowns or fillings?
Veneers cannot be placed over existing crowns but can sometimes be placed over teeth with fillings. If you have old dental work, we may recommend replacing it with a new tooth crown or a combination of veneers and crowns for a uniform look.
Will porcelain veneers affect my speech?
You might notice slight speech changes for a few days while adjusting to new porcelain veneers. Most people adapt quickly, especially with sounds like “s” or “f,” and return to normal speech patterns within a week. Temporarily, the adjustment occurs because your tongue needs to get used to the slightly different tooth thickness.
What happens to teeth under veneers?
The teeth under the veneers remain intact but are slightly reshaped to allow the veneers to fit properly. A thin layer of enamel is usually removed, which means the teeth will always need veneers or another form of restoration.
Veneers do not cause decay, but neglecting oral hygiene can cause cavities in the underlying teeth. We recommend brushing, flossing, and bi-yearly dental exams to keep the teeth and gums healthy beneath the veneers.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Longview, TX
Veneers can help you achieve a Hollywood smile. Consider porcelain veneers in Longview, TX if you want a flawless, natural-looking smile. Please schedule an appointment online to see if you are a veneer candidate.
If you have questions about treatment, please let us know at your next visit. We will be glad to help.