Porcelain veneers are the cosmetic dentistry solution for repairing and enhancing your smile. Dental veneers are high-quality, permanent restorations designed to fix minor cosmetic problems. Porcelain veneers look and function like natural teeth and require no additional maintenance. They are made of durable material lasting up to 15 years with excellent oral health care. Dr. Heather Adams provides porcelain veneers in Rogers, AR, to brighten and straighten teeth.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a ceramic shell made from a tooth-like material. A dentist places the veneer to a prepared tooth’s front and sides. The shell is ultra-thin, custom colored, and shaped to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth for a natural result. Then, our dentists bonds the veneer to the existing tooth.
Porcelain veneers can restore a single tooth or multiple teeth for a total smile makeover. They are made from a highly durable and light-reflective material. Multiple veneers can cover all of the teeth that show when you smile. A complete set of veneers uses eight veneers to cover all of the teeth in your smile zone,
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, offering years of bright white smiles. If you have deep tooth stains from foods or drinks or a heavy smoker, you can benefit from veneers. Dental veneers can achieve beautiful cosmetic results and protect the tooth structure from further damage or decay.
What Can Dental Veneers Treat?
Dental veneers can provide multiple treatments for patients who want to treat cosmetic dental problems. Veneers can:
- Close gaps between teeth
- Repair a chip or cracked tooth
- Straighten the appearance of a crooked tooth
- Reshape a misshapen tooth
- Whiten a discolored tooth resistant to whitening gels
Dr. Heather Adams is a Rogers, Arkansas, area cosmetic dentist with a natural eye for facial aesthetics, years of experience, and advanced training. Dr. Adams uses porcelain veneers to create seamless, gorgeous smiles that last.
What are No-Prep Veneers?
As an alternative, some dentists offer composite, “no-prep” veneers. These are removable veneers that are attached directly to the affected tooth. Little to no tooth trimming is involved for no-prep veneers. This type of veneer, while also popular, is appropriate only in some instances.
Veneers are beneficial if your teeth are generally in good shape. However, they aren’t as durable and permanent as dental veneers made of porcelain material. We do not recommend no-prep veneers for patients with crooked or large teeth.
“No-prep” veneers require less tooth preparation than porcelain veneers. They also offer quick and reversible treatment.
Treatment with Porcelain Veneers in Rogers, AR
Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells that we permanently bond to one or more teeth. To begin treatment, Dr. Adams prepares the teeth that will receive a dental veneer by removing a small amount of the tooth enamel. Tooth preparation ensures the veneers fit properly. Dr. Adams aims to ensure your veneers do not look or feel bulky.
Once the teeth are prepared, Dr. Adams takes dental molds off the teeth. Dr. Adams will also color-match teeth to help you meet your cosmetic goals. If you receive a veneer for a single tooth, Dr. Adams will ensure it matches your other natural teeth. She will ensure all your veneers match if you receive veneers for all of the teeth in your smile line.
Then, Dr. Adams will send your molds and shade match to a dental laboratory. Lab technicians will create tooth-colored veneers according to her specifications. You will receive temporary veneers to wear while the lab creates your final restoration. Dr. Adams can also create a mock-up of your veneers so you can approve the final design.
When the final dental veneers are ready, Dr. Adams will remove the temporary veneers. Then, she will temporarily place the final veneers on the teeth. She will make any necessary adjustments for comfort. Before the final fit, you will approve the veneer’s shape, color, and size. Once approved, Dr. Adams uses a special bonding material to permanently attach the veneer to the tooth.
How to Care for Dental Veneers
After the final fit, you can eat, speak, and take care of your smile normally. Brushing and flossing daily to keep the teeth surfaces clean. When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, as this can scratch your veneers.
Routine dental care allows Dr. Adams to monitor the condition of the veneers and make any needed repairs to maintain your new smile for as long as possible. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for many years.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about porcelain veneers in our Rogers office with commonly asked questions:
What are the disadvantages of porcelain veneers?
Veneers are an irreversible treatment. Once you commit to getting veneers, you must maintain or replace them for life. Veneers are also prone to damage. You have to replace them if the veneer is chips, breaks, or cracks.
Even though porcelain veneers provide a protective barrier for your teeth, they will not prevent tooth decay. To protect your teeth and help your veneers last a long time, you must commit to a strict, daily oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist twice yearly for a regular checkup.
Can I whiten my teeth after I get porcelain veneers?
You can’t whiten porcelain veneers like natural teeth. Veneers contain material that doesn’t respond to traditional whitening treatments. If you want whiter teeth, whitening your natural teeth before getting veneers is best. After you get veneers, maintain their color by avoiding foods and drinks that stain and practicing good oral hygiene. If your natural teeth start discoloring over time, contact your dentist for the best options.
How do I care for my veneers?
You can care for veneers like your natural teeth. Continue your regular oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing daily. You should also visit your Rogers, AR, dentist at least twice yearly for a routine cleaning and oral exam.
We also suggest you avoid chewing on hard items that could chip or crack your veneers. Do not chew on pen caps, your fingernails, or ice. With proper care, your veneers should last ten to twenty years.
Do porcelain veneers protect your teeth?
Yes. Porcelain veneers can offer some protection to your teeth. However, their primary function is cosmetic. They cover the front surface of your teeth and help shield them from minor wear and staining. However, they provide a different level of protection than treatments like dental crowns or fillings.
Can porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than natural teeth. Their smooth, non-porous surface helps keep them looking white. However, the bonding material around the edges can discolor over time if exposed to staining substances like coffee and red wine. To keep your veneers looking great, practice good dental hygiene and limit foods and drinks that cause stains.
Do porcelain veneers last forever?
No. Porcelain veneers don’t last forever but can last a long time with good care. Typically, veneers last about 10 to 15 years before you may need to replace them. Factors like your oral hygiene, eating habits, and whether you grind your teeth can affect their longevity. To extend the lifespan of your veneers, maintain good dental hygiene and avoid biting on hard objects.
Get Dental Veneers Today
Brighten and straighten teeth without the wait. Try veneers today. Call to receive treatment with porcelain veneers in Rogers, AR, at (479) 323-3011. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Adams online.
Please let Dr. Adams know at your next visit if you have more questions. She will be glad to help.