If you have badly stained, misshapen, chipped, uneven or crooked teeth, veneers can help. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that cover the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. At our Arlington, TX cosmetic dentistry, we use porcelain veneers to help fix cosmetic issues.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, like teeth stained by tetracycline, injury, or a root canal procedure. Porcelain veneers can address:
- Aging teeth that have worn down
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Stained, discolored or yellowed teeth
- Stained, unsightly or washed-out fillings
- Misshapen or crooked teeth that do not need orthodontic treatment
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn down teeth due to teeth grinding
Veneers are more durable and resist stains better than other options like bonding. They last longer and keep their color even with coffee, tea, or smoking.
Dental Veneers vs. Bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to fix small chips, cracks, or gaps. It’s quicker and cheaper, often done in one visit, but it may stain over time and isn’t as durable.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. They last longer and resist stains better, but getting them usually requires more visits. They’re great for a big makeover, while bonding is better for small fixes.
Porcelain Veneers in Arlington, TX
Veneers are usually made by a dental lab technician working from a model provided by your dentist. Dental veneers are irreversible because removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth is necessary to accommodate the shell.
Typically, veneers entail at least three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation and impression, and bonding. Here’s what to expect:
- Treatment Planning: The first step in getting porcelain veneers is treatment planning. You’ll meet with us to talk about how you want your smile to look. We’ll check your teeth and take X-rays or photos to plan your treatment. Together, you will decide the best plan to create your dream smile.
- Preparation and Impressions: Next, we’ll remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. This will make sure that the veneers look natural and don’t feel bulky. Then we’ll take impressions to make models of your teeth. Our team will send these impressions to the dental lab, where they will make them. While you wait, we’ll give you temporary veneers to protect your teeth.
- Final Bonding: When your veneers are ready, you’ll come back to our office. We’ll check the fit and color of each veneer, make any needed adjustments, and then glue them on with special cement. A light hardens the cement quickly, and we’ll check your bite to make sure everything fits perfectly.
What are the long-term benefits of choosing porcelain veneers over other solutions for chipped teeth?
Choosing porcelain veneers for chipped teeth has several long-term perks. First, they are very strong. Unlike bonding or crowns, which may need frequent repairs, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years if cared for properly.
Veneers also look natural. The material has a shine that mimics real tooth enamel, so they blend well with your other teeth. This can boost your confidence and leave you feeling happy with your smile for years.
Another benefit is that porcelain veneers usually require fewer visits to the dentist. While other treatments may need multiple adjustments, veneers often only take two appointments: one for the initial consultation and one for the final placement. This saves you time and reduces the need for repeated treatments.
How do porcelain veneers help with oral health compared to leaving chipped teeth untreated?
Porcelain veneers do more than just improve your smile—they help protect your teeth. Leaving chipped teeth untreated can lead to sensitivity, decay, and even shifting of your teeth. Chipped teeth are more likely to collect bacteria and plaque, which can lead to bigger problems.
With veneers, the front of the tooth is covered, which helps prevent further damage and restores the tooth’s shape. Veneers also help maintain the alignment of your teeth, reducing wear and the risk of injury. Since porcelain resists stains and doesn’t absorb food particles like untreated teeth, it can help keep your mouth cleaner and healthier in the long run.
Why should someone consider porcelain veneers instead of crowns or bonding?
Porcelain veneers give a more natural appearance than crowns or bonding. Made from high-quality material, they closely resemble real teeth, offering a visual that crowns or bonding can’t always match.
Veneers are also less invasive than crowns. Crowns need more reshaping of the tooth, while veneers only need a small amount of the tooth to be trimmed, preserving more of the original structure. Plus, veneers resist stains and stay strong over time, while bonding materials may chip or discolor.
Veneers are a versatile option that can fix multiple issues like gaps, crooked teeth, and discoloration, making them a great solution for many people looking to enhance their smiles.
Get a Beautiful Smile
Call Cooper Family Dental for porcelain veneers in Arlington, TX, at 817-646-1217. You can also schedule a dental appointment online.