Do you have a desire to improve your smile by hiding cracks, masking discolored spots, or just overall brightening your teeth? At Park Place Dentistry, we offer Orange County porcelain veneers. In many cases, they can be the ideal option for improving your self-esteem and the appearance of your smile.
What are veneers like?
Veneers are made of ceramic porcelain. They are thin shells and are designed to look as close to your real teeth as possible once they are bonded in your mouth. Porcelain veneers are also designed to mimic the strength and reliance of regular tooth enamel. Once they are placed, they last about five to ten years.
What are the common uses for veneers?
Porcelain veneers are used in a lot of situations where the original tooth or teeth just doesn’t look the way that it should. If your tooth has been discolored with age or after years of smoking or drinking coffee or tea, veneers can brighten your smile – especially if the stains are stubborn and have not responded to whitening. If your teeth have been fractured, or if there are gaps between them, veneers can make your smile more aesthetic. Your Orange County porcelain veneers can also alter your tooth position slightly to compensate for minor bite problems.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for veneers?
You may be a good candidate to receive treatment in our office for Orange County porcelain veneers if you are looking to fix some dental problems with a treatment that leaves you with a natural tooth appearance. Keep in mind that the process is not reversible, and you may need new veneers if you chip or crack them – so plan to avoid chewing on hard objects, like pencils or ice, or doing anything that could put pressure on your teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, so you will need to whiten your teeth prior to getting the veneers placed.
If your teeth are in need of a drastic appearance change in regards to shape, color, or size, the dentist might suggest a crown instead, which completely encircles your tooth and provides a total restoration, as opposed to the minor imperfections fixed with porcelain veneers.
If you grind your teeth often, you may not benefit from porcelain veneers, as they could crack or chip. And if you have decayed teeth or gum disease, your mouth might not be healthy enough for the procedure. You also need to have enough enamel on the surface of your teeth to allow the veneers to bond properly. Fortunately, our dental team is ready to help you determine if Orange County porcelain veneers will work well for your situation. Contact our office today for a full consultation, where we can figure out the best way to get your smile to be something that you are proud of. It’s important to our team that we find the best solution for your teeth.
How are the veneers applied?
Application of your porcelain veneers is simple. Your dentist will remove less than a millimeter of enamel from the surface of your teeth in order to make room for the finished product. The veneer is then placed on your teeth following a layer of light-activated resin. Once the veneer is in place, the resin is cured with a special light that hardens it and creates a strong, secure bond that is similar to natural teeth.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
Care for your porcelain veneers is actually simple. You only need to treat them like you would treat your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing, and avoiding poor habits like biting your fingernails or chewing on ice. Although your veneers are durable, cracking is still a possibility. It is still best to use them only as you should natural teeth and avoid using them as tools. If you play sports regularly, or if you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about being fitted for a mouth guard or a night guard that can protect both your teeth and your veneers.
Be sure to visit your dentist regularly so that your Orange County porcelain veneers can be checked to ensure they are still working well for you.
If you think that porcelain veneers might help to improve your smile and boost your self-esteem, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. Our professionals can get you started with the consultation process quickly so that you can get your smile looking sharp as soon as possible.