Porcelain Veneers for a Timeless Smile

A Smile That Speaks Volumes

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. They are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth, enhancing your smile and correcting a variety of dental imperfections. If you are considering porcelain veneers in Lancaster, TX, it’s important to understand how they work, what to expect during the process, and how to care for them once they are in place. Here are some frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers, answered by our expert cosmetic dentists, Dr. Patel and Dr. Setti.

What Are Porcelain Veneers, And What Are They Used For?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are used to correct a variety of dental imperfections, including:

• Stains and discoloration that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
• Gaps between teeth
• Worn down teeth
• Teeth that are too small or too large

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. However, the lifespan of your veneers will depend on several factors, such as how well you take care of them, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle choices. It’s important to avoid habits that can damage your veneers, such as biting your nails, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools.

How Our Veneers Are Placed

The process of placing porcelain veneers typically requires two to three appointments with your dentist. Here’s what to expect during each appointment:

• Consultation: During your first appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals and expectations, and take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to create your custom veneers.
• Preparation: In order to prepare your teeth for the veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. This helps to ensure a proper fit for your veneers, which may require local anesthesia. Your dentist will then take another impression of your teeth to send to the dental laboratory, where your veneers will be fabricated.
• Placement: Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will clean and etch the surface of your teeth to ensure a strong bond. They will then place the veneers on your teeth with a special adhesive and use a curing light to harden the adhesive. Your dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your veneers fit comfortably and look natural.

Will I Need To Take Any Special Precautions After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

After getting porcelain veneers, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they last as long as possible:

• Practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing your teeth daily and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid biting your nails, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage your veneers.
• Wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night.
• Avoid consuming excessive amounts of dark-colored foods and beverages, as they can stain your veneers over time.
• Consider using a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your veneers.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The cost of porcelain veneers can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of veneers you need, the complexity of your case, and the location of your dental office. At our dental office in Lancaster, TX, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to make porcelain veneers more affordable for our patients. We also accept most insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. It is important to note that, generally, insurance will not cover porcelain veneers as they are considered a cosmetic treatment.

The Benefits

• Natural-looking results: Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, resulting in a beautiful and natural-looking smile.
• Durable and long-lasting: Porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care, making them a durable and long-lasting solution.
• Versatile: Porcelain veneers can correct a variety of dental imperfections, including stains, chips, gaps, and misaligned teeth.
• Minimally invasive: The process of placing porcelain veneers typically requires minimal tooth preparation, making it a minimally invasive treatment option.

Alternatives to Veneers

• Composite bonding: Composite bonding is a similar treatment that uses tooth-colored composite resin to correct dental imperfections. It is a more affordable and minimally invasive alternative to porcelain veneers.
• Teeth whitening: If your main concern is tooth discoloration, teeth whitening may be a more appropriate treatment option. It is a simple and non-invasive way to brighten your smile.
• Orthodontics: If your teeth are misaligned, orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners may be a better option to correct your dental imperfections.

Achieve Your Dream Smile With Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance your smile and correct a variety of dental imperfections. If you are considering porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand how they work, what to expect during the process, and how to care for them once they are in place.

Our expert dentists, Dr. Patel and Dr. Setti, are here to answer any additional questions you may have and help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.