The Impact of Porcelain Veneers on Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are a durable, effective, and relatively quick cosmetic dentistry solution that dramatically enhances the appearance of your smile by covering imperfections including discoloration, chips, gaps, misaligned teeth, and minor alignment issues. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last for as long as 15 years or more.

Porcelain is a dense, translucent material that closely mimics the color and translucency of healthy natural tooth enamel, and it is the preferred material for dental restorations. When crafted by an experienced cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneers appear very realistic and provide patients with a beautiful, confident smile.

In addition to addressing aesthetic concerns, porcelain veneers can be used to mask certain types of structural problems with your smile such as an overbite, underbite, or jaw imbalance. When these issues are addressed using a combination of dental crowns and porcelain veneers, the results can be extremely dramatic and life changing.

While porcelain veneers do not pose any major health risks, you may experience some discomfort in the first few days following your treatment. This is because a thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneers, which can expose sensitive dentin. This sensitivity is temporary and will subside after a few days. During this time, you should avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your veneers and refrain from using tobacco products.

The best candidate for porcelain veneers is a patient with healthy teeth and no major decay or fractures. Your Northbrook cosmetic dentist can take X-rays, evaluate your oral health, and determine whether you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Before the procedure begins, you will want to make sure that you have taken care of any other dental work that is needed, such as fillings or a root canal.

If you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers, a Northbrook dental clinic can design your new smile in a series of appointments. At the first appointment, he will discuss your cosmetic concerns and listen to your aesthetic goals to get an idea of what you hope to achieve with treatment. He will also review your medical history and take photos of your smile to show you what the outcome could look like on a chairside monitor.

These digital mockups will help you visualize and refine your treatment plan while limiting the amount of tooth preparation that is necessary to achieve your desired results. This will save you money and improve the predictability of your results while ensuring that you are satisfied with your final result.

Once you have approved your mockup, your Northbrook cosmetic dentist will prepare the tooth surface by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the veneers. At your next appointment, he will place the veneers and bond them to the tooth. You will likely need to schedule regular visits and follow a rigorous oral hygiene routine to maintain the longevity of your porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a great way to correct many cosmetic issues that cause people to hide their smile, but they should not be considered as a permanent solution to any problem. If you are looking for a more permanent cosmetic solution, your Northbrook cosmetic dentist can help you find the right treatment to meet your needs.