Do you have a chipped or discolored tooth? Want to refresh your smile? Dr. Emily Ann Reece in Raleigh, NC, helps patients improve their smiles with porcelain veneers. These veneers are made from porcelain, which reflects light and looks more natural. If you’re looking to upgrade your smile with cosmetic dentistry, contact Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Porcelain Veneer Treatment
At our office, the porcelain veneer process is designed to carefully improve your smile. First, we start with a thorough consultation to check your dental health and talk about your goals. This is important because it helps us create a plan that works for you. Here are the steps involved:
- Evaluation and Exam: Dr. Reece will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. This helps her find any issues and understand what might have caused the damage. With this exam, she can also help prevent problems with the veneers in the future.
- Preparation and Temporary Veneers: After deciding on porcelain veneers, Dr. Reece will gently remove a small part of your tooth to make room for the new veneers. She will take impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. While the custom veneers are being made, you’ll wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth. These will stay on for up to three weeks while your permanent ones are being crafted.
- Final Placement: Once your custom veneers are ready, Dr. Reece will place them on your teeth to check the fit and comfort. After making sure everything is right, she will bond the veneers to your teeth and polish them for a natural look. She bonds the veneers to your teeth using a safe, non-toxic material that hardens quickly, ensuring a secure fit.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovering from getting porcelain veneers is simple and fast. Most people can go back to their normal routine right after the procedure. Some may feel a bit of sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and mild discomfort, but this usually goes away in a few days. Your dentist might suggest avoiding certain foods or drinks, like hard, sticky, or chewy items, for a short time after the procedure.
Taking care of your porcelain veneers over time is important to make sure they last. Here are a few basic tips to help keep them in good shape:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum problems. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the veneers.
- If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, wear a a night guard or mouthguard to protect your veneers. Grinding, especially at night, can easily damage them.
- Even though porcelain veneers are strong, they can still be damaged. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky items like ice or hard candy, as these can crack or chip the veneers.
- Visit your dentist regularly to check on your veneers and overall dental health. Regular visits help spot any issues early before they get worse.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Find answers to common questions about porcelain veneers below. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of veneers depends on several factors, like the material used, your cosmetic goals, and the size and location of the tooth or teeth being treated. Dr. Reece can give you a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last over 10 years with proper care. However, you might need minor repairs or maintenance after a few years. Keeping a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist twice a year can help your veneers last longer. If a veneer gets damaged or falls out, we can replace it.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are strong, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. They also look and feel more like natural teeth compared to options like tooth bonding. However, they are permanent, meaning the process cannot be undone. If you prefer a less permanent option, dental bonding might be a better choice.
Do porcelain veneers hurt?
No, the process of getting porcelain veneers is not painful. You might feel some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, as a small amount of tooth enamel is removed to make room for the veneers. Any discomfort usually goes away quickly.
Do veneers get cavities?
While veneers don’t get cavities, the natural teeth underneath them can still decay. It’s important to brush and floss daily to keep your teeth healthy and prevent any issues.
Do porcelain veneers stay white?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and tend to stay whiter longer than natural teeth. However, they can stain over time. Since they don’t respond to teeth whitening, stained veneers will need to be replaced.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution, so it’s important to be sure you’re ready for the treatment. They are a great option for fixing mild to moderate cosmetic concerns and can address many issues. Dr. Reece will discuss your goals and budget, and check your oral health to see if veneers are right for you.
Get Porcelain Veneers Today
Call 919-646-6294 to schedule your porcelain veneer treatment at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Reece online.