Do you look in the mirror and wish you could make some adjustments to your teeth? Maybe you have small chips or fractures in your teeth, or a tooth that isn’t quite shaped like the others. Maybe there is a small gap between your front teeth, or a slight difference in position that results in minor bite problems. And if you’ve tried whitening and bleaching your teeth, but stubborn stains and discoloration just won’t budge, you might be looking for a solution.
Consider contacting Park Place Dentistry for Orange County veneers that are designed to correct all of these issues and more. They are individually made for your smile and will even resist future stains and discoloration that can be caused by cigarettes, tea, and coffee. Unlike the use of crowns, your natural teeth will remain mostly intact.
What are veneers made of?
Veneers are made of porcelain. The thin, ceramic shells are formed by many layers and are designed to mimic your real teeth in material and in color. In fact, once they are in your mouth, you will find that they very closely resemble your real teeth. They also imitate the resilience and strength of your teeth and last five to ten years once they are placed. The placement of our Orange County veneers also involves the use of an adhesive layer, which is typically a light sensitive resin.
How will I know if I’m a candidate?
If your smile could benefit from small aesthetic fixes, then porcelain veneers might be the best choice for you, as opposed to crowns that encircle your entire tooth and are used to correct major issues. You will begin the process by visiting your dentist for a consultation. During the consultation, you will talk to the dentist about the parts of your smile that you would like to change. Your dentist will help you understand the limitations of the procedure and might take impressions of your mouth and teeth. During this stage of the process, you will be able to see what your mouth will look like with veneers.
If you suffer from gum disease, or lack enough enamel on the surface of your teeth to do the procedure properly, your Orange County dentist might recommend that you take other steps to correct your dental issues before getting veneers, or might suggest another route for aesthetic changes altogether. Before getting veneers, you should also be sure that you do not have a habit of grinding your teeth or chewing on hard objects, which can chip your veneers and prevent them from lasting as long as they could.
Once you and your dentist have decided that porcelain veneers are the best choice for your teeth, the materials will be made in a lab and customized for your specific needs. This process can take up to a week. When your Orange County veneers are ready, you will come in to our office for the application process.
How are veneers applied?
Your Orange County veneers are applied in a short, simple visit. Your dentist will first remove a miniscule amount of your tooth’s enamel in order to make room for the veneer. A light activated resin is applied to the surface of your tooth, and then the porcelain veneer is placed on top. Once the veneer is in place, the resin is hardened with a curing light, creating a secure bond.
How do I care for my veneers?
Porcelain veneers do not really require any special care. You simply need to take care of them the same way that you would the rest of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Even though your veneers are durable and resistant to stains, you should still avoid using your teeth as tools to open things and should avoid frequent use of tobacco or other items that can cause stains over time. If you tend to grind your teeth while you are sleeping, or frequently participate in sports, ask your dentist about being fitted for a night guard or mouth guard.
Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for maintenance and cleaning. At your appointment, your dentist can make sure your veneers are working well for you and may choose to clean them with a nonabrasive paste.
Contact our office as soon as possible if you think that porcelain veneers are a good option for you. We can schedule you for a consultation so that our dentists can evaluate your smile and get you started on the process.