At the Dental Studio of South Tulsa, we understand the importance of having a smile you can be proud of. We also know that this might require one or more Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures with a dental office where you feel confident that your well-beng is our top priority. The staff at Dental Studio of South Tulsa are committed to helping you achieve your dream smile as well as providing guidance along each step of the process. Among the many Cosmetic Dentistry procedures available, one of the most popular is the use of porcelain veneers.
Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a razor-thin sheath made of durable dental ceramic designed to adhere to any tooth that is visible when you smile. Veneers are intended to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth and are used to correct one or several teeth that may have been chipped, stained, or damaged yet are still in good physical condition. They are custom-made to fit over your teeth as well as custom-shaded to provide a natural color that will blend with the existing enamel. Once complete, your permanent porcelain veneers will improve the size, color, shape, and length of the teeth underneath. During the process of preparing for your porcelain veneers, our dental staff will take detailed notes on the goals you have for your smile and your preferences to help ensure your smile looks just the way you have envisioned. Your new porcelain veneers have the potential to last up to twenty years with proper oral care and maintenance.
What Are The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
One of the most obvious benefits of porcelain veneers is their ability to hide many imperfections at once. Porcelain veneers are extremely effective when it comes to concealing:
- permanent discoloration,
- chips and cracks,
- minor gaps,
- slightly crooked or rotated teeth,
- unevenly spaced teeth,
- misshapen teeth, and,
- other aesthetic abnormalities with the smile.
This is the reason why porcelain veneers are considered to be one of the most comprehensive cosmetic treatments in the dental industry today. Another benefit to porcelain veneer is that they are naturally stain-resistant. Compared to tooth enamel, which allows stains to seep in through cracks and crevices, porcelain is much smoother and less likely to be stained. Porcelain veneers are also incredibly strong, providing resilience while giving a natural look. The added reinforcement of porcelain veneers also helps protect the tooth from further breakage or damage from occurring.
Different Types of Porcelain Veneers
Over time, the technology of porcelain veneers has been developed to be able to stay on your teeth for many years. There are two different options you can choose from based on your needs.
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
Traditional veneers require removing a small amount of enamel in order to place the veneers. Removal of the enamel is generally required because it permits the veneer to sit flush with the gum line helping it look as natural as possible. It is important to remember that this removal is permanent, so make sure to discuss this process prior to veneer appointment.
Minimal-Prep Veneers
Minimal-prep veneers are thinner than traditional veneers. This reduces the likelihood that you will need to remove any tooth enamel. In the case where no enamel removal is required, it is important to note that the minimal-prep veneers may not last as long as the traditional veneers. However, if you think you may need to remove the veneers later on, or if you have issues with teeth sensitivity, minimal-veneers may be the better option for you.
If you are interested in veneers, we recommend that you schedule an appointment to discuss how many veneers you will need to achieve your dream smile. If veneers are determined as the best next step for you, we will begin preparing your teeth.
Preparing for Porcelain Veneers
Before the porcelain veneers can be adhered to your teeth, we will need to capture detailed images using digital impression technology. If you decide to go with the traditional veneers, we will also need to prep your teeth before the impression is taken. The data from the impressions will then be sent to an off-site dental lab where the veneers will be manufactured. The entire process takes about two weeks to complete. In the meantime, you will receive temporary veneers to help you acclimate to your smile. Then, when you return for your next appointment, we will replace your temporary veneers with the new veneers as well as making sure that the permanent veneers meet your expectations.
Invest in Your Smile
Investing in porcelain veneers means investing in your smile. The decision to use porcelain veneers to improve your smile can be life-changing. It is also a decision which requires a commitment to maintaining proper oral healthcare habits that will help the veneers last as long as possible.
If you think porcelain veneers may be right for you, our knowledgeable dental staff is available to discuss all of the options that are available to you. Our staff have helped many patients transform their smiles through cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers are a great solution for those looking to seamlessly correct common dental flaws. We are ready to work with you on finding the best possible solution to help you experience your dream smile. Contact the friendly dental team at the Dental Studio of South Tulsa today if you would like to schedule your first consultation, or if you simply have questions you would like to discuss. We are here to help you begin the journey towards the smile you’ve been dreaming of!