Porcelain veneers might just be the best option for you.

Our teeth are more noticeable than we may realize. In fact, they are often one of the first things people notice when meeting someone new. If you have things about your smile that you aren’t fond of, this can be an unsettling fact. Sure, we want to take good care of the teeth we were given, but sometimes our best efforts aren’t enough. Sometimes, a little boost can work wonders on our confidence.

Whether due to dull, discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth, we all have our reasons for seeking out cosmetic dentistry. Sometimes dental bonding is the best choice for a chipped incisor, and other times crowns are the most effective option for a broken molar. Porcelain veneers are another long-lasting solution that can easily solve many of these problems, and more.

What are veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are bonded to the tooth. They are made to match the size, shape, and color of each individual patient’s teeth. They adhere to the natural tooth, so they can be a simpler pick-me-up than implants or dentures. The dentist takes a mold of the tooth and then spends time prepping the tooth for the veneer. The dentist carefully prepares the tooth so it will match the other teeth perfectly. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken and sent off to a lab where the veneer is fabricated into the desired shape. While waiting for the veneer to come back from the lab, you will be fitted with a temporary veneer.

1. Long-Lasting Solution

Porcelain veneers aren’t a temporary fix. They are typically completed in two separate appointments, resulting in an incredibly durable porcelain shield for your tooth. Once they are permanently bonded to the tooth, they don’t require any special care. As long as you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine with brushing and flossing, your new porcelain veneers could easily last for up to 15 years.

2. Discoloration, where?

Over time, many different things can discolor your teeth. Certain foods like berries and deeply colored sauces can cause staining, as well as drinks, like coffee and cola. Daily habits, such as using tobacco or drinking red wine can also impact the color of your teeth over the years. True, professional whitening can sometimes solve the problem, but it doesn’t prevent it from happening again. Sometimes, veneers are referred to as “permanent teeth whitening” because of how resistant they are to stains and discoloration.

3. Easier Care

Crooked or misshapen teeth can be a lot harder to care for. Hidden bacteria-filled plaque can slowly erode the teeth, causing cavities and the need for further dental procedures. Fixing these mild misalignments can make getting those little nooks and crannies a little bit easier to clean, and might prolong the life of your natural teeth.

In the same way, that fall from the monkey bars as a kid (or, let’s face it, sometimes we aren’t very graceful as adults, either) may have caused lasting damage to your teeth. It could’ve cracked or even chipped an adult tooth, opening it up for bacteria to hide away in nearly impossible-to-clean areas. Porcelain veneers can be beneficial for situations like this, covering the damage like a shield, keeping your teeth shiny, fresh, and easy to clean for years to come. 

Your dentist will take their time determining whether porcelain veneers are the right choice to fix these misalignments. Sometimes, treatments such as Invisalign, dental bonding, or crowns might be the better option.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

If eating something cold sends sharp sensations throughout your mouth, it can be hard to enjoy those tasty treats. Porcelain veneers not only protect your nerves from this sudden jolt, but they also prevent further damage to the worn enamel underneath. Being able to eat that sweet dessert again could very well be a dream come true!

5. Confidence Booster

You may not realize how much your teeth affect your confidence. It’s often the first thing someone notices when they meet you, which can make it easy to stress about the appearance of your smile. If you have insecurities about your teeth, it can drastically affect how you present yourself. Fixing the one thing that has been bugging you can create a ripple effect throughout your entire life. Now, this doesn’t mean that cosmetic dentistry will solve every problem you’ve ever had, but boosted confidence can certainly go a long way!

Contact Berrien Dental to come in to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.

If you think veneers may be a good fit for you, be sure to contact your dentist. Whether dental bonding, professional whitening, Invisalign, or porcelain veneers are the right choice for you, your dentist will help formulate a plan specifically for you and your smile. If you have any questions about porcelain veneers, or any other kind of cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact us. We want to help you achieve the confidence-boosting smile you’ve always dreamed of.