Your smile says a lot about you. If your teeth aren’t in the best shape, you might be wondering about what dental procedures can correct your issues. There are plenty to choose from, but porcelain veneers in Fort Pierce, FL, are a wildly popular choice for many. There is one thing you should keep in mind before calling to schedule an appointment –just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re the best solution for your specific needs.
Even though porcelain veneers are great for people who want to fix a variety of dental issues, they aren’t recommended for everybody. Certain oral illnesses or bad habits can decrease the lifespan of the veneers or cause further damage to your natural teeth. Research and a consultation with your dentist will help you determine if you should use veneers or if a different dental treatment is a better option.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made from a thin, ceramic material. Dentists bond them over the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers can change the shape, color, size, or length of a person’s teeth.
To apply them, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel on your teeth so the veneers can go over them. Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite and blend in better with your natural teeth. They can also last much longer.
Main Reasons People Get Veneers
People like to get porcelain veneers for several cosmetic and restorative reasons. They’re routinely used to fix issues like discolored, gapped, or worn-down teeth. Porcelain veneers are such a popular alternative to some other dental treatments because of the following reasons:
- Long lasting
- Fixes more than one dental issue
- Protect a weak tooth
- Minimally invasive
- Low maintenance
What Porcelain Veneers CAN Do
Porcelain veneers can work wonders for your teeth. There offer various benefits and can sometimes be a more effective solution than some of the more invasive procedures out there. Below are some of the things porcelain veneers can do for your teeth:
Cover Various Dental Issues
If you have an oddly shaped tooth as well as some discoloration, a porcelain veneer can take care of both problems at once. The thin casing will go over the affected tooth to change the shape and make it appear whiter. Porcelain veneers are common for those who have more than one dental issue they want to fix without making a lot of dental appointments.
Protect Chipped Teeth
Veneers are also known to help protect a weak or chipped tooth from getting any worse. It bonds over the tooth and conceals the problem area, preventing further damage from occurring. Porcelain veneers can also act as a layer of protection for your teeth, so it’s a good solution for those with sensitive teeth.
Make Your Teeth Look Whiter
Getting veneers placed is an easier and quicker way to whiten your teeth. You can select a color to make darker teeth appear whiter, and the color will last a lot longer than a tooth whitening procedure if you take care of your veneers. They will create a more even–looking smile and are highly resistant to stains.
Replace Lost/Damaged Enamel
A small amount of enamel must be removed for the porcelain veneers to go on your teeth, so they’re great for replacing any enamel you have lost or damaged. To get the treatment, you must have enough existing enamel for the veneers to be most effective.
What Porcelain Veneers CANNOT Do
Porcelain veneers can do a lot for your smile, but it’s important to know that they don’t fix every single dental issue. They aren’t the best choice for people with severely unhealthy teeth, as veneers can worsen those concerns. If you’re thinking about getting this treatment, please note that porcelain veneers cannot do the following:
Prevent Tooth Decay
Porcelain veneers don’t decay like your natural teeth, but they also don’t prevent it from happening either. If you start to take less care of your oral health, your teeth under the veneers can begin to form decay. This can shorten the lifespan of your veneers and cause problems for your natural teeth.
Withstand Hard Objects and Teeth Grinding
Porcelain veneers are made from a durable material but can still crack or chip if there’s too much pressure on them. If you’re always chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaw, you might not be the best candidate for this treatment.
Correct Orthodontic Issues
Veneers can cover up crooked teeth, but they aren’t a replacement for a complete orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth often occur due to problems with the jaw, and veneers only cover up your teeth rather than correcting the real issue. If your teeth are so severely misaligned that it’s causes pain or discomfort, your best option is to get an orthodontic treatment instead of veneers.
Easily Be Removed
Porcelain veneers are an irreversible treatment, so it’s crucial to make sure this is something you’re prepared to have for the rest of your life. Tooth enamel does not grow back once it’s removed, so you will always need your veneers for that layer of protection for your teeth. While it is possible to repair, rebond, or replace a veneer, it’s a process. If you aren’t prepared to properly care for your veneers, or if you think you might break them often, this won’t be the best option.
When are Porcelain Veneers Not a Good Option?
Unfortunately, porcelain veneers aren’t for everyone. There are some instances where other restorative or cosmetic procedures will be more beneficial than getting veneers. The following people might want to consider a different dental treatment or changing their lifestyle before getting porcelain veneers.
- If you have bruxism
- If you have poor oral health
- If you have inadequate tooth enamel
- If you have tooth decay
- If you regularly smoke or drink coffee without plans to stop
Want to Learn More About Porcelain Veneers in Fort Pierce, FL?
We at Shapiro Family Dentistry love giving patients a smile they’re proud to show off. If you’re interested in getting porcelain veneers, we’d love to schedule a consultation to ensure it’s the best solution for your needs and lifestyle. We also offer a variety of other cosmetic and restorative services that can help if veneers aren’t ideal for you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like more information about our services!
