In terms of physical traits that can subtly turn social and professional interactions in your favor, a beautiful, beaming smile is tough to top!
No physical attribute has a more powerful effect on how others see us and how we see ourselves than a disarming and friendly yet assertive smile. In many cases, a gorgeous smile can work its magic before anyone’s even said a word!
For many of us, unfortunately, discolored, misaligned, or misshapen, but otherwise healthy teeth stand in the way of the million-dollar smile of our dreams. Fortunately, in porcelain dental veneers, there is a simple and non-invasive long-term solution to the question of how to get one’s smile to its brilliant best.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells custom-made out of dental-grade porcelain, overlaid on the front surfaces of discolored, misaligned, or misshapen teeth, and affixed with dental cement. Given the straightforward and non-invasiveness nature of their placement, porcelain veneers are the more efficient long-term option for an immediate and dramatic aesthetic upgrade. With proper maintenance and a solid at-home oral care routine, and by avoiding certain habits and lifestyle choices, veneers can last several years without requiring re-treatment.
It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that while their impact is profound, veneers are merely a cosmetic solution. Veneers do not address any underlying issues beneath them, like tooth decay or gum disease. Thus, anyone suffering from such issues should have them treated before the placement of porcelain veneers.
What Dental Issues Can Porcelain Veneers Address?
By fitting comfortably over the fronts of a person’s teeth, porcelain veneers offer an incredibly effective, efficient, and long-lasting solution to a range of cosmetic and structural dental concerns. The most notable of these include:
- Tooth discoloration. Veneers are a particularly effective solution in cases in which discoloration is unresponsive to teeth whitening treatments
- Chipping or cracking of teeth. Porcelain veneers can effectively cover up minor chips, cracks, or breaks in teeth (though these should still be treated by a dentist) to restore a natural, unblemished appearance
- Gapped or misaligned teeth. Veneers are also an excellent non-orthodontic method for correcting slight tooth misalignment and concealing gaps between teeth.
- Irregularly shaped teeth – veneers can restore a person’s smile by improving the appearance of teeth that are too small, too large, or oddly shaped.
- ‘Dead tooth.”
What Is a “Dead Tooth?”
A “dead” (also referred to as “non-vital”) tooth is a tooth that, because of either injury or severe decay, has lost its supply of blood and, as a result, its nerve function. A dead tooth is fairly easy to identify, as it usually appears severely discolored or faded compared to healthy teeth. Additionally, dead teeth tend to exhibit heightened sensitivity to pressure and hot and cold temperatures.
A crown can be placed over a dead tooth. The tooth may need to be reinforced with a post. It’s important to recognize that while a veneer can be placed over a dead tooth, it serves as a cosmetic solution and does not address the decay or disease that actually damaged the tooth. Again, anyone suffering from an underlying dental issue, whether a dead tooth, tooth decay, or gum disease, must have the issue treated before getting veneers.
How Long Should My Porcelain Veneers Last?
On average, porcelain veneers last about ten years. However, with proper care, good overall oral hygiene practices, and a healthy lifestyle, veneers can last many years!
To ensure the longevity of porcelain veneers, it's important to adhere to a strong oral hygiene routine, including brushing (at least twice a day) with a non-abrasive toothpaste and regularly scheduled visits to the dentist for checkups.
Beyond these simple proactive steps, certain habits and behaviors, plus at-home monitoring of your veneers, can play considerable roles in maximizing their lifespan:
- Don’t bite down or chew on hard objects like ice, pens/pen caps, or fingernails.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools.
- If you excessively grind or clench your teeth, speak with your dentist about a night guard to protect both your veneers and your natural teeth
- If you already have veneers and notice any signs of damage like chipping, cracking, or discoloration, see your dentist immediately to repair or replace them.
As with any dental procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified dentist to ensure that porcelain veneers are an effective solution for you.
Precisely Placed Porcelain Veneers in Paoli, PA
Whether you’re considering porcelain veneers as a cosmetic solution or seeking advice on how to maximize the lifespan of your existing veneers and would like a dentist in the Paoli, PA, area to guide you through the process, contact dentist Dr. Mehul Shah and the team at M. Shah DMD & Associates to schedule a consultation!