Many of our patients at Timberhill Dental are interested in improving the cosmetic appearance of their smile. Their teeth may be stained, chipped, or have small but noticeable gaps. Unfortunately, some cosmetic dental treatments have drawbacks: tooth whitening treatments require multiple applications for best results and orthodontic treatments may be too uncomfortable for some patients.
Luckily, for many people, there’s a great option: porcelain veneers! In today’s post, we’ll talk more about this cosmetic treatment and why it’s a great choice for many of the patients we see at Timberhill Dental in Corvallis.
Dental Technology & Porcelain Veneers
Modern dental technology allows us to create ultra-thin porcelain veneers that can be bonded to your natural teeth– only a minimal amount of natural tooth structure must be removed. In the past, veneers required nearly as much grinding as a crown. Not with today’s advances.
Modern porcelain veneers are also made to look just like natural teeth. The shape and color is customized just for you.
No two sets of veneers are alike. Once they’re in your mouth, they’ll look and function just like your natural teeth.
Are Veneers Right for Everyone?
While porcelain veneers are a great choice for many of our patients, they’re not a great choice for everyone.
Because veneers require the removal of some tooth structure, there needs to be a strong, healthy foundation for them to adhere to. If a patient has extensive tooth decay or other structural problems with their teeth, those issues must be repaired before any cosmetic work can begin. In some cases, a restoration like a dental crown or bridge may be a better solution than veneers.
If you’ve been told that veneers (or any other cosmetic procedure) won’t work for you, Dr. Black and Dr. Means at Timberhill Dental are happy to offer a free consultation and second opinion.
We believe everyone should have a smile they love and are proud to show off!
Are Porcelain Veneers Safe?
Yes! Our veneers are designed to maximize the integrity of the underlying natural, healthy tooth structure. In addition, they are also made from 100% non-toxic and biocompatible porcelain.
Your veneers will look and function just like natural teeth.
I’m nervous about visiting the dentist, can you help?
Yes! At Timberhill Dental, we take great pride in helping our patients relax and feel at ease throughout their treatments. We offer a variety of patient comforts, including aromatherapy, paraffin hand wax dip, cozy blankets, and warm scented towels.
Will Anyone Be Able to Tell I Have “Fake” Teeth?
No! In years past, veneers tended to look too white, too straight and too big compared to natural teeth. As we’ve talked about, the ultra-thin porcelain used in today’s veneers eliminates the problem of an unnatural over-sized appearance. Even better, your veneers are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your own teeth.
Your veneers are made just for you and nobody will be able to tell that you’re wearing them!
Do Porcelain Veneers Last Forever?
Porcelain veneers are made from incredibly strong and durable materials and generally last as long as crowns, some longer.
Frequent checkups with your dentist, as well as good at-home dental habits will help you maintain the integrity of your porcelain veneers for as long as possible.
How Long Does it Take to Get Veneers Placed?
With our CEREC technology, a simple set of 2-4 veneers can be created and placed in a single visit. However, when 6-8 veneers are desired, we will usually complete the restoration over the course of 2 separate appointments.
What Material is Used to Bond Veneers to My Teeth?
We use a composite bonding material (think of it like a very strong, 100% non-toxic glue) to attach veneers to your teeth. It sets in just seconds and is incredibly strong and durable.
Do I Need to Cover All of My Teeth With Veneers?
At Timberhill Dental, we evaluate every patient’s needs individually, so it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Generally speaking, patients will usually get veneers placed on the teeth that show when they smile. To maintain a symmetrical smile and for best results, veneers are usually placed in even numbers.
How Do I Care For My Veneers?
Porcelain veneers require no special care or upkeep. Just brush and floss them like your natural teeth. In addition to good home care habits, make sure to visit the dentist for regular checkups, cleanings, and exams. A night guard worn while you sleep can help reduce minor wear caused by bruxism (tooth grinding). If you’re an active athlete in a contact sport, you may consider wearing a sports mouthguard to further protect your veneers.
What Happens if I Break or Chip a Veneer?
Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong (just like natural teeth) but it is possible to chip or crack them accidentally. This might happen if you’re chewing and bite down on a piece of hard food (like a cherry pit or piece of walnut shell) or if you’re injured playing sports.
If you do notice a sharp edge, crack, or chip in your veneers, contact your dentist right away for a check up. It’s possible the tooth structure under the veneer has been damaged, too.
I’m Interested in Porcelain Veneers. Can You Help?
Yes! Contact Timberhill Dental to schedule your free consultation and to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.
Give us a call at (541) 754-0144 or request an appointment online.
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