What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice amongst dentists to alter the look of teeth. Made of thin pieces of porcelain, porcelain veneers can make slight changes to the position, shape, size, or color of a tooth. Veneers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide protection and strength to your teeth as enamel would. Veneers are a popular cosmetic choice for many patients, as well. However, you should consult with Dr. Ginn first, since, depending on the improvements you want, Dr. Ginn may recommend veneers or another cosmetic procedure.
Why would I need veneers?
Veneers are a great cosmetic option for many dental cases. Typically, the situations that veneers are a good fit for include when your real tooth has stained or are not the shape you want. Veneers are a good option for:
- Improving the color of stained teeth
- Reshaping a tooth or several teeth
- Eliminating gaps between your teeth
- Changing the position of a tooth
- Changing some bite-related issues
Depending on the stains, your teeth may not respond to teeth whitening systems. If this is the case for you, veneers are your best option for having a brighter and whiter smile.
What is the process for getting veneers?
If you elect to receive porcelain veneers, they will normally take three appointments to complete. The first trip will be a consultation. This visit will ensure that veneers will achieve the results you desire. The second and third trips to see Dr. Ginn will be so your veneer can be manufactured and installed. If you need one or more teeth treated, this is not a problem. Veneers can be applied to one or more teeth at once.
What are the advantages of veneers?
Veneers have many advantages over other kinds of restorations. First off, since veneers are customized for each patient’s needs, they are nearly identical to the look of your real teeth. Additionally, veneers will resist staining from coffee, tea, and tobacco use. The reason for this is that veneers are made of high-tech materials that resist staining. Another advantage of veneers over crowns and other restorations is that veneers can leave more of your real teeth intact since they are smaller than other restoration options.
Please note that receiving a veneer will not provide additional protection from cavities. You should still maintain good dental habits in order to maintain a healthy mouth.
How do I care for my veneers?
After you receive a veneer, it is important to maintain good oral health habits. Caring for your veneer is really quite simple: treat them as you would your real teeth. You should brush, floss, use mouthwash, and visit the dentist just as you would normally. After your veneers have been placed, Dr. Ginn will require a follow-up visit. If you suffer from bruxism (tooth grinding), Dr. Ginn may recommend a mouth guard so you do not damage your teeth or veneers.
If properly cared for, veneers can last between seven and twenty years. While your veneer is not a living organism, the tooth and gums that it is attached to are living. If you do not properly care for your teeth and gums, it can cause problems, making your veneer last a shorter period of time. For example, if your gums start to recede, it may reveal some dentin and cause your tooth to look discolored.
If by chance, your veneer happens to chip or break off, they can easily be repaired or reattached to your tooth.
Are they covered by insurance?
In many cases, your insurance will cover up to 50% of the cost of a porcelain veneer. Of course, you should check with your insurance company in order to determine if this holds true for you. Every situation is different and should be checked on an individual basis.