4 Things to Know Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

Does your smile suffer from several cosmetic flaws? The first things that most people notice about you are your teeth and confidence. With an embarrassing, damaged mouth, you may feel more comfortable hiding it behind your hand rather than letting it shine. That can make you appear less approachable and genuine to some people, even though that’s not how you mean to come off. Porcelain veneers are a great cosmetic solution that can fix a wide variety of imperfections. However, it’s not the right choice for everybody. Most people are curious about how easy they are to keep up with, whether they look natural, or how veneers affect your teeth. Read on for four things you should know before you dedicate your time and money to this dental treatment.

They’re Permanent

Anything permanent seems daunting, but when it comes to dental veneers, this is a good thing. Each custom-crafted shell is cemented to your natural teeth and can only be removed by your cosmetic dentist. This allows them to be a long-lasting option, making it well worth the up-front investment. With the right care, they can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, or even longer. Just be sure to follow your cosmetic dentist’s aftercare instructions and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice one of them is loose or becomes damaged.

You Don’t Have to Get Them For Your Entire Mouth

Every veneer is purchased and crafted separately to repair each individual tooth. This means that you don’t have to transform your entire mouth to have the procedure. In fact, in most cases, patients are only looking to fix one or two teeth that have been chipped, broken, or damaged somehow.

They Can Resist Staining

Staining is an unfortunate effect that happens from factors both out of and within your control. Whether it happens from taking certain medications or having bad oral habits like smoking, there are very few ways to prevent it from occurring altogether. Unlike your natural enamel, dental porcelain is a non-porous material. That means that surface stains can’t penetrate your veneers as easily as they can your natural teeth. So, if you’re a heavy coffee drinker or regularly enjoy tomato-based sauces, you won’t have to worry about your newly transformed smile quickly becoming discolored.

Your Natural Teeth Will be Prepared Beforehand

One part of the process of getting dental veneers that most people are worried about is that it involves your natural teeth being prepared beforehand. Your cosmetic dentist will remove a small portion of your natural enamel (think, less than a fingernail’s width) in order to compensate for the thickness of your permanent veneers. This way, they won’t protrude from your mouth and will lay flush with your existing pearly whites for a completely natural look and feel.

If you’re sick of being embarrassed by your smile that’s riddled with imperfections, it’s time to make a change. Over the course of just a few visits with your cosmetic dentist, you can have a completely customized grin that brings you joy and that you’re not afraid to show off!

About the Author

Dr. Marianna Gaitsgory has been practicing dentistry for many years. She is passionate about continuing her education by taking additional courses every year. This allows her to offer the latest techniques and treatments in dentistry at her practice such as porcelain veneers and dental implants. She has a range of experience with cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry procedures and enjoys transforming her patients’ smiles into a trait that they’re proud of. For questions or to schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers, visit Framingham Premier Dental’s website or call 508-875-0900.