Looking for an effective way to build a brighter, straighter, or more even smile? Your dentist can give you porcelain veneers to enhance the look of your teeth. The shells attach to the front of your teeth to construct a beautiful smile.
If you feel nervous about getting dental work, you are not alone. You can feel calmer in the dentist’s chair if you know what to expect from this cosmetic dental treatment. Read on to see the answers to common questions regarding the porcelain veneer procedure and boost your confidence in pursuing this treatment.
Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?
Patients do not report pain or discomfort when they receive porcelain veneers from their dentist. In order to maximize comfort and relaxation during this process, your dentist may offer you a local anesthetic or a sedative.
To prepare the surface of the teeth for the veneers, your dentist must etch into the enamel. This is the part of the procedure where your dentist will provide an anesthetic so that you can feel at ease in the dental chair.
After the treatment, you may feel slight tooth sensitivity. This sensation will fade within a few days. Then you will not feel any pain at all with your new fixtures. Before you leave your dentist’s office, the dental professional will check your bite. They make sure the veneers will not hinder your oral function or feel uncomfortable on your smile.
Does the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Take Long?
The process for getting porcelain veneers is not immediate and may take up to three appointments with your dentist to complete. First, you will need to consult with your dentist to make sure that veneers are the best method to accomplish your smile aesthetic goals. This appointment lasts about 15 minutes.
Then your dentist will prepare the surface of your teeth and take impressions of your smile. These will be used to build customized shells that will suit the unique size, shape, and color of your teeth.
When the veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office to have them attached to the front of your teeth. You can return home directly after this final session and continue your daily activities without issue.
How Long Can I Experience Cosmetic Enhancement with Veneers?
With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain veneers can offer cosmetic benefits to your smile for fifteen or more years. The dental bonding used to secure the veneers to your teeth ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Veneers will also resist staining and decay, so you can feel confident that the bright color will last. You should continue practicing good oral hygiene, however. Veneers can still garner plaque that can affect the underlying and surrounding teeth if it lingers on your smile.
Porcelain veneers can become loose or break if exposed to abnormally high pressures. For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items or grinding your teeth to protect your cosmetic dental work.