Veneers

The purpose of cosmetic dental treatments, including porcelain veneers, is to create a completely natural look. Veneers expertly installed at our dental office will be almost indistinguishable from your other teeth. Porcelain veneers look similar to real teeth and blend in perfectly with your smile. Dr. Bosse will ensure that the veneers will look natural fit perfectly with your face. No one will be able to determine if you have had some work done.

You can expect to have some tooth sensitivity until the permanent veneers are placed. The process involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel to fit the veneers. Once the thin layer is removed, many patients are likely to experience slight sensitivity. However, this lasts only until permanent veneers are applied. In rare cases, some patients may experience slight sensitivity after the permanent veneers are placed. In that case, we may prescribe special sensitivity toothpaste.

Anyone who desires to improve their smile or looks within a shorter period of time can be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Still, we will check for a few conditions before recommending veneers. For example, you must be free from cavities or gum disease. Overall good oral health is also recommended. If you clench or grind your teeth, we will require you to wear a nightguard to prevent any damage to the veneers.

Veneers can be used to fix a wide range of dental problems and conditions. We commonly use them to fix broken, chipped, gapped, discolored, and worn teeth. Since veneers can completely cover the front and sides of your teeth, you can consider them to fix most types of cosmetic problems. We can also consider veneers if you have permanent stains that can’t be fixed with whitening treatments. They can also be used to give a uniform shape and size to uneven and misshapen teeth.

Yes, you can eat most foods with your veneers on. However, you should be careful about your choice of food when you have temporary veneers. It takes a few weeks for your permanent veneers to be ready and until then you should be careful with what you eat. We recommend avoiding the following foods during that time:

• Hard foods including nuts, chips, seeds, and hard breads
• Steak and other meats
• Crunchy vegetables
• Ice
• Sticky or hard candies
• Foods & beverages that can stain your teeth
• Chocolate

Even with permanent veneers, you should avoid hard foods, acidic foods, alcohol, ice, and sticky candies.

No, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. We will use a local anesthetic to prevent any pain. When it comes to the process of bonding the veneers to the teeth, it is a completely painless procedure. You will feel fully comfortable, as we will numb the area around the spot where the veneers will be cemented. After the numbness vanishes, you may experience soreness in the jaw and gums only if it is a larger procedure involving 8 or more veneers.

If you have slightly crooked teeth, veneers can give them the shape to look straighter. In many cases, they can also prevent the need for lengthier orthodontic treatments. However, we will have to assess your dental condition to determine if you are a good candidate for it. Most of the time, other orthodontic treatment options such as braces or Invisalign may be recommended. 

One of the greatest benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are resistant to staining. You can enjoy your favorite beverages including red wine and coffee without having to worry about developing a yellow smile. However, we recommend rinsing your mouth after taking anything that can stain your teeth. This is because the teeth under the veneers are still likely to stain.

The number of veneers required will vary from one patient to another. While some patients require only a few, others may require up to a dozen. This can depend on the patient’s goals and desires and the condition of their teeth. When you smile, you will want all your teeth to look good and match together. The number of teeth visible during a smile can vary from one person to another.

No, your porcelain veneers will not need any special maintenance or care. All they will need is the kind of care involved in your normal dental hygiene. This includes nothing more than regular brushing and flossing, and periodic visits to your dentist. However, there are some tips to enhance the life of your veneers. This includes using toothpaste free from abrasive substances, avoiding foods that damage teeth, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

Porcelain veneers are typically the preferred choice for cosmetic enhancement when the underlying tooth is healthy.  On the other hand, crowns are generally recommended when a tooth is structurally damaged or has undergone a root canal.  During your visit, we’ll carefully evaluate your specific situation and help you decide on the most suitable option.