Porcelain veneers can solve various oral health and cosmetic dental concerns. Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile and improve dental health. They are custom-made from ultra-thin, translucent materials that reflect light like natural teeth.
Dr. Brent Blaylock places porcelain veneers in his Durham dentist office and recommends this treatment option for patients with damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth. They provide a permanent restoration solution and are often more affordable than many patients realize.
During a consultation, Dr. Blaylock will perform a thorough dental examination and discuss your concerns before recommending a treatment plan, including porcelain veneers. He will explain the procedure and any associated costs.
Porcelain Veneers in Durham, NC
The porcelain veneer process requires 2 to 3 visits for consultation, treatment planning, and final placement. At his Durham, NC, cosmetic dentistry office, Dr. Blaylock will analyze your smile to find the shape and fit that best suits your unique smile.
The procedure for porcelain veneers is relatively painless, with very minimal tooth preparation. In some cases, you do not need any preparation. A skilled artist will make dental veneers in a dental laboratory. You will have the opportunity to review the shade and characterization of the veneers before they are permanently cemented to your teeth.
Patients often worry about the pain associated with porcelain veneers. Dr. Blaylock will take all steps to ensure your comfort before, during, and after treatment. It is common for patients to experience some mild sensitivity immediately following treatment. These symptoms generally subside within 1 – 3 days of treatment.
What Do Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Discolored teeth are one of the most common cosmetic dental complaints. Professional teeth whitening is usually the treatment option, but that doesn’t work on all kinds of discoloration. If you have deeper staining that goes beyond the tooth’s surface or a tooth that is discolored due to trauma, a veneer can take care of it. They cover the front and sides of the tooth, and you can pick the white shade.
As we age, tooth enamel wears away, causing cosmetic chips and other signs of wear. A diet high in acidic foods can cause enamel to dissipate faster than normal. A veneer restores the length and fullness of the tooth. It also provides a protective layer against acids so the enamel doesn’t wear down as much.
Our teeth can naturally be misshapen or deformed, causing our smile to be irregular. This is often a point of self-consciousness for people. The misshapen tooth sticks out of the smile compared to the rest, causing them to want to hide it. A veneer is custom-made to match the size and shape of the rest of your teeth. Putting one over the deformed tooth hides it from view and gives the appearance of an even, symmetrical smile.
If you have mild teeth crookedness or gaps between your teeth, you may not want to deal with orthodontic solutions to correct them. Veneers can span small gaps and correct crooked teeth. The porcelain shells create the appearance of a straighter smile. However, this is only for mild cases. More severe ones will require further treatment.
The Benefits of Veneers
Veneers are an extremely effective cosmetic treatment that can correct most aesthetic dental problems. They combine beauty and durability to make an impressive treatment option.
Stain-Resistant and Durable
If you care for veneers properly, they can last 10-15 years or more. They resist chips and cracks, though you shouldn’t directly bite down on anything hard with them. Minimum maintenance is required: You just need to brush and floss as you normally would.
They’re also more stain-resistant than tooth structure. Your teeth are porous, and staining agents get into those pores, causing discoloration. Since porcelain isn’t a natural material, no pores can open. Though they can eventually stain if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine, it’s harder to do than your teeth or bonding material. They won’t yellow like your teeth because they don’t have an enamel layer to wear away.
Natural-looking, Custom Solution
Each veneer is custom-made to fit your smile perfectly. The shape and size of the veneers are created based on what looks the best with your face shape and features. Slightly rounded veneers can highlight angular facial features, while longer veneers can create a more youthful appearance. The color can whiten your smile to the shade you desire while still looking natural with your skin tone.
The porcelain used for veneers has a translucent quality similar to tooth enamel. It’s hard to distinguish it from tooth structure. When we place veneers, we prepare the teeth for the veneer to go over them so they lay flat with the rest of your teeth. This allows the veneers to blend in with your smile. People won’t be able to tell which of your teeth have veneers on them and which don’t.
Better Self-Esteem and Confidence
The best benefit of veneers may be the boost in confidence they give you. A beautiful smile is something that you’re proud to show off. You don’t feel the need to hide your smile because you aren’t happy with its appearance. You can be more confident in social and professional settings and laugh and smile freely when you’re out in public. It has a psychological benefit that lifts your mood and makes you feel more self-assured.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers can treat almost any cosmetic dental problem you face. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?
Porcelain veneers are stronger, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking than composite veneers. Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin and are usually placed in one visit. However, they’re more likely to chip and stain. Porcelain veneers take longer to place, but they offer better results and durability.
Is the veneer process painful?
Most patients find the veneer process to be easy and comfortable. Your dentist will numb the area before removing any enamel, so you won’t feel pain. Some people may feel a little sensitivity afterward, but it usually disappears quickly. If you’re nervous, your dentist can discuss sedation or comfort options.
How long do veneers last?
Resin veneers are more of a temporary solution. They might last 5 to 10 years before you need to replace or touch them. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a more permanent solution, and dentists design them to last a lifetime. Your dentist in Durham, NC conducts careful treatment planning to ensure the veneers are stable and long-lasting.
Proper hygiene care and maintenance can improve the longevity of any type of dental veneer or other restoration. Brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits will improve your veneers’ life span. Dr. Blaylock may also suggest a mouthguard to protect porcelain veneers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the material used, the number of veneers placed, and the patient’s specific condition. Before treatment, we will complete a full review of the procedure, including the porcelain veneer cost.
Do porcelain veneers stain over time?
Porcelain veneers are not completely stain-resistant, but they resist staining better than natural teeth. Any food or drink that can stain regular teeth can also affect the veneer, including tea, coffee, and red wine. However, these stains are usually more surface-level and are removed with professional cleaning.
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
Yes, porcelain veneers are designed to look just like real teeth. Your dentist carefully chooses each veneer’s shape, size, and color to match your smile. The porcelain reflects light in a way that mimics tooth enamel, giving you a natural appearance. Most people won’t even know you have veneers—they’ll just notice your beautiful smile.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Schedule a visit for a porcelain veneer consultation with Dr. Brent Blaylock today! Give us a call at 984-213-4695, or request an appointment online.