What Dental Flaws Can Porcelain Veneers Correct?

For many people, having a bright, beautiful, even smile is a confidence booster. While most of us are not naturally blessed with the teeth we desire, modern cosmetic dental treatments and procedures offer the opportunity to achieve the smile of your dreams more conveniently than ever. At Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Jacob Sheppard and our caring team offer a complete array of cosmetic dentistry services to help patients get a stunning smile they can feel confident about. Here, you’ll find useful information about one of the most popular and effective cosmetic dental solutions available today —porcelain veneers — including what types of concerns veneers aim to conceal or correct.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain dental veneers are custom-made “shells” that fit over the visible surface of a tooth (or multiple teeth). These veneers are typically made of durable porcelain and are very thin, meaning only a small amount of natural tooth enamel will have to be removed to place the veneers. Dental veneers are considered cosmetic in nature, helping to conceal or correct a range of cosmetic dental concerns and create a more seamless, beautiful smile overall.

What imperfections can porcelain veneers fix?

It is important to note that porcelain veneers do not alter the tooth itself, except for the small amount of enamel that is removed during the preparation part of the process. Instead, veneers are designed to conceal dental flaws. For example, a veneer does not physically repair a crack or chip in a tooth, but it does cover the damaged tooth with a more pleasing, intact shell. Some of the most common cosmetic dental issues that can be concealed with porcelain veneers for a beautiful and even new smile include:

• Stained teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Yellow teeth
• Gap between teeth
• Abnormal tooth spacing
• Small teeth
• Short teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Chipped tooth
• Crack in tooth

Can I get a single dental veneer?

Yes, it is possible to have a single dental veneer placed to cover a damaged, stained, or otherwise cosmetically compromised tooth. However, it is often preferable to have multiple veneers placed consecutively to create the most seamless and harmonious look. Still, a single veneer can be custom-made to match the nearby teeth very closely in terms of size, shape, color, and other characteristics.

How long do veneers last?

When placed by a skilled dentist and properly maintained, porcelain veneers can last for years or, in many cases, decades. To preserve dental veneers for as long as possible, patients should practice good oral and dental hygiene and avoid “high-risk” behaviors. Some helpful tips for keeping your dental veneers strong and beautiful for years to come include:

• Brush and floss twice per day
• Rinse with a recommended mouthwash
• Attend twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings (or as recommended)
• Avoid sticky, crunchy, hard foods
• Limit consumption of staining beverages, like coffee, red wine, and tea
• Wear a night guard while sleeping
• Use an athletic mouth guard during sports
• Do not bite your nails
• Refrain from opening packages with your teeth

With these healthy habits, you can enjoy your stunning smile for longer.

Upgrade your smile with porcelain veneers in Midlothian, VA

If your teeth and gums are healthy overall, but you wish your smile was a little whiter or straighter, or more aesthetically pleasing in general, porcelain dental veneers may be right for you. Take the first step toward getting a smile you can smile about by calling Sycamore Family Dentistry to schedule your consultation for porcelain veneers with Midlothian, VA, dentist Dr. Jacob Sheppard today.