Everyone wants to have a healthy, confident smile. There are plenty of obstacles that can stand in the way of this goal, whether that is extensive staining, cracked or chipped teeth, or even problems with tooth alignment. No matter the complications you are facing, however, there are solutions available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. For many patients this involves the use of dental veneers.
At State Street Dental, we are passionate about exceeding the expectations of our patients via customized cosmetic dentistry solutions. To learn more about our porcelain veneer services, we welcome you to contact State Street Dental at your next opportunity.
What are Dental Veneers?
For those whose teeth are aesthetically compromised but still basically functional, dental veneers can be a clear choice. Essentially, these are super-thin shells that completely cover the front part of the tooth (that is, the visible part of the tooth), concealing any imperfections, cracks, or discoloration.
The veneers we offer at State Street Dental are made from porcelain and designed to resemble the look and feel of naturally growing teeth. Some patients may need just one or two veneers to cover some minor imperfections, whereas other patients seek veneers to cover all of their front teeth. It simply depends on the needs and expectations of the patient.
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What Issues Can Be Addressed with Porcelain Veneers?
Not every dental problem can be covered over with veneers. If your teeth are badly damaged, decayed, or no longer functional, we may recommend extracting them and placing dental implants.
With that said, any cosmetic issue can be treated with veneers. Some of the most common reasons why patients choose porcelain veneers include:
- Teeth that are badly stained and cannot be fixed with tooth whitening.
- Teeth that have become chipped or worn down.
- Teeth that are crooked, misshapen, or misaligned.
- Uneven spaces or large gaps, particularly between the upper front teeth.
If any of these issues affect you and cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile, we welcome you to contact State Street Dental to set up a dental veneers consultation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
During your consultation appointment, Dr. Mee will perform a physical evaluation of your teeth and gums and potentially also take some medical images. Using this information, Dr. Mee can help you determine whether you are a good candidate for a safe and successful veneers application.
Generally, the ideal candidate for dental veneers:
- Has cosmetic issues with their teeth.
- Does not have any untreated gum or tooth disease.
- Does not grind or grit their teeth.
- Has spoken with their dentist and has clear, realistic expectations about getting dental veneers.
To schedule your consultation, contact our office at any time.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
While some cosmetic dental practices offer veneers made from other materials, including composite resin, State Street Dental focuses on porcelain. The advantages of porcelain veneers include:
- Porcelain is strong and durable, meaning your veneers should last a good long while.
- The surface of the porcelain veneers looks completely natural.
- Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, making them fairly easy to maintain.
- Only a minimal amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed for the porcelain veneer to be placed.
Getting Porcelain Veneers: The Process
As you consider getting veneers, it is only natural to wonder what the process is like. Here is a basic road map to what you can expect when you get porcelain veneers from State Street Dental.
The Consultation
The consultation is a critical first step, as it allows us to ensure we are recommending the treatment best suited for your needs and expectations. During this one-on-one appointment, Dr. Mee will perform a physical examination, take some images, and advise you on the different options available. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions. Additionally, Dr. Mee will let you know if you have any tooth or gum diseases that need to be treated before you can get your veneers.
Creating the Veneers
If you decide to move forward with dental veneers, we will have our lab create some impressions. These dental impressions will be used to ensure your custom-made veneers are just the right size and shape to lead to an outstanding outcome. Note that, in order for the impressions to be made, Dr. Mee will likely need to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth so that the veneers fit comfortably. The process of having veneers made can take a few days; when they are completed, we will invite you back to put those veneers in place.
Fitting the Veneers
At this appointment, Dr. Mee will place your veneers, verify that they look and feel the way they are supposed to and make any minor adjustments that are required. Once the veneers are properly and comfortably placed, they will be bonded. This helps make certain that they remain secure in your mouth.
Does Getting Veneers Hurt?
One of the most common questions we hear from patients is whether they can anticipate any pain when they get their dental veneers. Actually, placing and bonding the veneers is minimally invasive and should not result in any discomfort. The only part of the process that may hurt a little is having the enamel removed from the teeth. For your comfort, we are happy to offer sedation options for this part of the procedure; typically, local anesthesia is the best option for a pain-free experience. Feel free to contact our office with any questions about sedation options.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Patients often ask us how long they can expect their dental veneers to last. Do veneers represent a permanent solution or just a short-term fix?
The first thing to understand is that, in order to get veneers, you will need to have some tooth enamel removed. This is not a reversible process. As such, it is important to talk with Dr. Mee and ensure you are ready to fully commit to veneers before moving forward with the procedure.
As for the longevity of the veneers themselves, veneers will typically last for at least a decade before they need to be replaced. However, with the right maintenance, you can often extend the lifespan of your veneers, sometimes making them last for as long as 20 years or more.
Will Dental Insurance Cover Veneers?
Something else that our patients often ask about is the cost of dental veneers. Specifically, we get a lot of questions about insurance coverage.
All dental insurance plans differ, and we would recommend checking the specifics of your policy. Unfortunately, most dental plans only cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary, not procedures that are strictly cosmetic in nature. Veneers are not really used to improve the functionality of the teeth, and as such, they are seldom covered by insurance.
With that said, State Street Dental is committed to providing affordable and accessible dental services, and we invite you to contact us with any specific questions about financing options.
How Long Will it Take to Adjust to Dental Veneers?
It can take a little bit of time to get used to dental veneers. For most patients, there is a little awkwardness or discomfort for the first few days, but your veneers will feel like second nature within about two weeks.
Some tips for adjusting to your dental veneers:
- Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among those with new veneers. Using sensitive toothpaste can help ease any tenderness or pain.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods. The pressure of biting down on hard foods can cause some discomfort, so we typically recommend sticking to soft foods and liquids for the first week.
- Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages. Extreme temperatures can trigger tooth sensitivity. Avoid hot beverages and soups, as well as ice cream and colder foods, for the first week or so.
- Drink with a straw. Use a straw to bypass the teeth covered by veneers, minimizing their exposure to liquids.
With any questions about adjusting to dental veneers, we welcome you to contact State Street Dental at any time.
What Can I Eat with My Dental Veneers?
For the first week after getting your veneers, stick with softer foods, such as applesauce, yogurt, mashed bananas, or Jell-O. As you gain comfort with your veneers, you can shift back into a more normal diet. There are certain foods that you will probably want to steer clear of over the long haul, simply to preserve your veneers and keep them from becoming cracked or broken.
A few of the foods to avoid when you have dental veneers include:
- Foods that are extremely hard (hard candies, raw carrots, etc.).
- Dark liquids (coffee, tea, and red wine should all be consumed in moderation).
- Alcoholic beverages, which can cause the bonding to deteriorate (again, moderation is key).
Also, note that to preserve your veneers and minimize any discoloration, we would recommend you abstain from smoking or using other tobacco products.
How to Maintain Dental Veneers
As you seek to keep your porcelain veneers looking their best for as long as possible, there are some basic maintenance steps to keep in mind. Fortunately, the upkeep required for veneers does not differ very much from your normal dental hygiene. In addition to the dietary precautions we outlined above, also make sure you brush and floss regularly and stay up to date with routine dental cleanings.
Be aware that, even with veneers, you can still get cavities or even gum disease. Make oral hygiene a top priority.
Also, remember that porcelain veneers can crack or break under pressure. To avoid this, make sure you do not chew on hard items, such as fingernails, ice cubes, or pencils and pens.
If you ever lose a veneer, or if your veneer cracks, make an appointment with Dr. Mee right away. Dental veneers can often be repaired or simply reapplied, without the need for a new veneer to be made.
Are Dental Veneers Right for You?
If you are suffering from tooth decay, breakage, or significant periodontal disease, you will want to take prompt action to salvage your teeth; if this is no longer possible, you may need to have them pulled and replaced. In either scenario, veneers are not the right option.
If your problem is more aesthetic in nature, however, then veneers may represent the simplest and most effective option for rehabilitating your smile. Specifically, if you feel that your teeth are badly discolored, chipped, or simply unusual in their shape, veneers can help you conceal your teeth and obtain a natural-looking, confident smile.
The best way to find out more about whether veneers are right for you is to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mee at your next opportunity.
Get More Information About Dental Implants
At State Street Dental, we love having the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and provide them with ways to achieve a bright, confident smile.
As you consider the different options available to you, we welcome you to learn more about dental implants. A good first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Mee. To make an appointment with State Street Dental, contact our office at any time.