A captivating smile significantly influences how others perceive us and how we feel about ourselves. Unfortunately, many individuals face challenges like misshapen teeth or dental discoloration and misalignment, which can compromise bite integrity and hinder their confidence. Thankfully, porcelain dental veneers offer a simple, non-invasive solution to restore your stunning smile!
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin shells of dental-grade porcelain designed to cover the front surfaces of teeth that are discolored, misaligned, or misshapen. These veneers are bonded to the teeth using dental cement, providing an immediate and dramatic aesthetic improvement. Since the procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive, porcelain veneers offer a long-term, efficient option for enhancing your smile.
With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last several years without needing replacement. However, it's essential to remember that veneers are primarily cosmetic. They do not address underlying dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease, so these problems must be treated before veneers are placed.
What Dental Issues Do Porcelain Veneers Address?
By fitting comfortably over the fronts of teeth, porcelain veneers offer a versatile solution for a variety of cosmetic and structural dental concerns, including:
- Dental discoloration – Veneers are a particularly effective solution in cases in which discoloration is unresponsive to teeth whitening treatments
- Chipped or cracked teeth – Porcelain veneers can effectively cover up minor chips, cracks, or breaks in teeth (though a dentist should still treat these) 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 — A "dead" (or non-vital) tooth is one that's become discolored after losing its blood supply and nerve function due to injury or severe decay.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
On average, porcelain veneers last about ten years. However, with proper oral hygiene practices, regular dental checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, veneers can last even longer. To ensure the longevity of porcelain veneers, it's also important to avoid certain habits, including:
- Biting down or chewing on hard objects like ice, pens/pen caps, or fingernails
- Using your teeth as tools
- Clenching or grinding your teeth. A night guard can help protect your veneers and natural teeth in these cases.
- Delaying maintenance and repairs to chipped or cracked veneers
Precisely Placing Porcelain Veneers in Audubon, NJ
Whether you’re considering porcelain veneers for the first time or seeking guidance from an Audubon dentist on maximizing the lifespan of veneers you’ve already got, contact dentist Dr. John Savon and the caring and knowledgeable Train Station Dental team to schedule a consultation!