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Are you too afraid to smile in public because you’re scared of what people will say about your teeth? You’ve probably learned all of the techniques, such as covering your mouth when you laugh or using your lips to protect your teeth.

But you don’t need to live life this way. There are many different options that a dentist can do to help bring out your smile, including orthodontics and restorations. However, one of the most popular dental treatments is porcelain veneers.

This option gives a whole new meaning to pearly whites. However, before you book your appointment, there are some things you need to understand. Here is everything you need to know about this popular treatment.

1. What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a shell that is uniquely tailored to fit your teeth. They’re custom made and attached to the tooth’s original enamel through a series of procedures.

The porcelain used is thin and was chosen as it faithfully recreates the natural look of teeth. They’re the preferred treatment for correcting teeth issues and are able to last up to 20 years with the right care. 

2. What Are Veneers Treatment For?

While they can improve your smile dramatically, veneers are also used to treat several dental issues. Some of the most popular reasons why veneers get used include:

  • Color corrections
  • Repairing a chipped tooth
  • Fixing gaps between teeth
  • Realigning crooked teeth
  • Reshaping a tooth
  • Cleaning a tooth from stains
  • Fix broken teeth

Porcelain veneers are often less intrusive compared to other major dentistry like crowns or braces. This makes it a preferred method for patients looking to improve the brightness of their smile. 

3. What Is the Porcelain Veneers Process?

Typically, you’ll only need to have a couple of appointments with Dr. Monika before you’re walking out of Brushin’ On Belmont with a new smile. You won’t even need anesthesia unless your mouth is very sensitive.

The process begins with a clean of the tooth and working out what the best shade of the veneers is. Dr. Monika will likely take a very small piece of the enamel to allow room for the veneer to be placed on the tooth.

Next, an impression of your tooth will get created in a laboratory. Your tooth will get a temporary veneer while this is being made. Then once the lab has finished, you’ll come for your second appointment.

The temporary veneer will get removed, and the tooth will get cleaned again. Your brand new porcelain veneer will get etched, rinsed, and air-dried before having the adhesive placed on it. It should then fit precisely on your tooth.

Depending on the success of the process, Dr. Monika might schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure it’s fitting well, and there’s no discomfort. This will ensure that your dental veneers will have a longer lifespan. 

4. How Do You Care for Porcelain Veneers?

Thankfully you don’t need to change up your dental care regime to protect your porcelain veneers. You should brush and floss your teeth like you normally would but stick to using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. In order to keep them shining bright like a diamond, you should limit your coffee intake and any other foods that might stain your teeth.

It’s important to remember that veneers won’t last forever. You will need to get them replaced at some point. But the longer you keep up with proper dental hygiene, the longer it will be before you need to talk to Dr. Monika about replacing them.

5. Can Anyone Get Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment for many patients who are looking to repair their teeth. But there some occasions where this treatment is not a possibility. Some of the reasons why this treatment isn’t suitable include:

  • There is severe decay on the tooth or teeth
  • The tooth is cracked
  • If there are signs of gum disease
  • Your teeth are severely misaligned
  • You grind or clench your teeth

This isn’t to say that you can’t have your teeth fixed or repaired. It just means you’ll need to speak to either Dr. Bob, Dr. Monika, or Dr. Fung about alternative cosmetic dentistry to get you smiling again.

6. How Are Composite Veneers Different to Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain is not the only substance used to create veneers. Another option is composite resin. This is generally a much cheaper alternative and often only require one visit to Brushin’ on Belmont as the veneers can get made while you wait. 

The composite veneers get sculpted on your teeth using resin in the shade of your tooth instead of going to a laboratory. The resin is then hardened, and additional layers are applied as required. It’s finished off with a polish to give you a more natural smile.

However, the durability of porcelain is higher than composite resin. Composites can last between five and seven years, while porcelain veneers can remain up to 20 with the proper care.

7. What Are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?

The only major disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that you can’t repair them if one happens to break. Instead, you’ll need to replace it in its entirety and go through the process from the beginning.

There’s also no second chances. Once they’re attached, you cannot have them removed. So you need to be certain that this is a treatment you want to have before you commit to it.

We Can Get You Smiling Again

If you’d like to smile again in public and around friends or family confidently, then porcelain veneers might be what’s best for you and your teeth. Get in touch with the team at Brushin’ on Belmont to book an appointment to learn more about your options.