How Porcelain Veneers Can Improve Your Smile

Chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth can have a major effect on one’s self-confidence and can even make people reluctant to smile. However, porcelain veneers can help give you a smile you’re proud to show off. 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells attached to the front of a tooth to hide imperfections and improve your smile’s aesthetic. You can read on to learn more about the benefits, procedure, and maintenance of porcelain veneers from our dentist in Kilgore, TX. 

The Benefits of Veneers

There are multiple cosmetic benefits to porcelain veneers. They provide a natural tooth look by covering imperfections like small cracks, chips, and discoloration/stains. Unlike dental crowns, porcelain veneers only require you to remove half a millimeter of enamel to fit the veneer to the front of your tooth. This allows you to keep the natural tooth structure intact.

Dental veneers are stain-resistant because they are nonporous. However, this doesn’t mean they’re impervious to them. Eating too many sweets and acidic foods can dull and even damage them. With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last for 10 or more years.

The Porcelain Veneers Procedure

The procedure is split up between two appointments. During the first appointment, a half millimeter of enamel is removed from each tooth receiving a veneer. There are two reasons why some enamel needs to be removed to place a veneer. 

The first reason is that it roughens the surface of your tooth, helping the veneer attach and stay there. Second, it helps maintain a natural appearance because if the enamel isn’t removed, your teeth would look noticeably bigger. 

After the enamel is removed, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab, then temporary veneers are put on your teeth for protection until the second appointment. When you return for your permanent veneers our dentist will first double-check that the veneers are the best color and fit.

Next, the teeth receiving veneers are cleaned and polished to help them bond with the veneer. Our dentist will then cement the veneers on your teeth and clear away any excess cement. After a quick bite check to ensure everything is properly aligned and not conflicting, the porcelain veneers procedure is done, and you can eat and drink normally immediately after your appointment.

Taking Care of Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an investment in you and your smile which is why maintaining them are important. There are multiple steps you can take to ensure that they last a long time. Having good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once a day is a great start to taking care of your teeth and veneers. You can also use a non-alcoholic fluoride mouthwash which will strengthen both of them.

Here are a number of things to avoid while you have porcelain veneers. Avoid biting or gnawing on hard foods like nuts, hard candy, and especially ice. A lot of people damage their veneers and teeth in general by biting down on ice. 

Also, similar to how mouthwash can strengthen your veneers, alcohol can weaken them and their bond to your tooth. Last, but certainly not least, it’s never a good idea to use your teeth as tools. This poses a major threat to your veneers. 

Schedule an Appointment

Do you want to improve your smile with porcelain veneers? You can schedule an appointment with our dentist in Kilgore, Texas by calling (903) 984-1108. Our dentist and her team are ready to help you have a better smile.