5 Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Interested in a smile makeover? You may want to consider getting porcelain veneers.

Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that our dentists can bond to the fronts of your teeth. Porcelain veneers match the color and shape of your natural teeth so you can smile with confidence.

Of course, there are other cosmetic dentistry procedures you might consider — teeth whitening, for example, or cosmetic bonding. But every procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain veneers may be right for you if you want to:

1. Cover chips, cracks, and discoloration
2. Preserve your natural tooth structure
3. Commit to only two appointments
4. Enjoy simple maintenance
5. Smile with confidence for years to come

1. Cover Chips, Cracks, and Discoloration

Porcelain veneers are able to fix small cosmetic issues that are visible when you smile or talk, such as minor chips or cracks. During your consultation, our dentists will determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. 

If the tooth is too fragile, we may instead recommend a dental crown to restore the tooth to its natural strength and appearance. Either way, our dentists will be able to find the right solution for your smile.

2. Preserve Your Natural Tooth Structure

Once you remove tooth enamel, it’s gone for good. Dental crowns, for example, have to fit over the entire tooth, so dentists have to remove more enamel to make them fit.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are only bonded to the fronts of your teeth. That means we only need to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. Since the veneers procedure is noninvasive, you may not even need anesthesia while one of our dentists removes your enamel.

3. Commit to Only Two Appointments

The veneers procedure takes two trips to our office. During your first visit, we’ll remove enough enamel from the fronts of your teeth so there’s space for the veneers. Without this crucial step, your veneers would make your teeth seem large and bulky.

Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab. To protect your teeth in between appointments, we’ll place temporary veneers on them.

When you return for your second appointment, your veneers will be ready. Our dentists will make sure the porcelain matches the color of your natural enamel. We may also need to slightly adjust the fit of the veneers so they look and feel natural. That way, you can smile with confidence after leaving our office.

4. Enjoy Simple Maintenance

Minimal effort is needed to maintain veneers. Porcelain veneers are non-porous, which means they are able to resist permanent stains and cavities better than natural tooth enamel. However, you’ll still need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to maintain good oral health.

Also, make sure you schedule regular dental check-ups every six months. This easy maintenance will help you keep your veneers pearly white so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile.

5. Smile with Confidence for Years to Come

Practicing good oral hygiene and being conscious of the foods you eat can help your veneers last longer. For example, even though they resist discoloration better than natural teeth, veneers can still stain if you drink too much tea or coffee. They can also chip if you bite down on ice too hard. 

The good news is that if you take good care of your veneers, you can expect them to last for around 10 years.

Request a Porcelain Veneers Appointment Today

Our Grand Rapids, MI, cosmetic dentists offer porcelain veneers so you can achieve your best smile. Call Contemporary Family Dental today at (616) 209-3969, or contact us online to request an appointment.

This blog post has been updated.