Getting porcelain veneers is a big decision. You will change the entire appearance of your smile when you opt for veneers, a shift that most cosmetic dentistry patients anticipate and welcome. It is, of course, understandable to have concerns about the veneer procedure. Learn how veneers are applied, whether veneers ruin real teeth, and whether you're a good candidate for this kind of smile makeover from Dentistry for Life in Philadelphia.
There are several types of dental veneers, and the kind you select will influence how the procedure affects your real teeth. Three of the most common types of veneers available are porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and Lumineers, and they all have unique characteristics when it comes to composition and application.
A long-established and sought-after cosmetic dentistry procedure, porcelain veneers require the removal of a slight amount of tooth enamel in order to make room for the porcelain shields. This reshaping allows the veneers to sit on your teeth properly and create that coveted Hollywood smile. A tooth-colored cement is used to meticulously secure each veneer to the front surface of each individual tooth, and a special curing light is used to permanently bond the veneers. This careful process ensures that veneers have longevity and stability.
Lumineers are applied to teeth the same way as traditional veneers, but with one major difference - little to no prep work. In fact Lumineers are also known as "no-prep veneers" because of the minimal work required to adhere them to your teeth. The teeth are typically cleaned and may be lightly sanded to make room for the veneers, but Lumineers are even thinner than the thin porcelain veneers and tooth enamel is unlikely to need to be removed as part of prep.
Composite Veneers are shaped directly onto the teeth in the dentist's office using a composite, filling-like material. This smile makeover option usually doesn't require the removal of tooth enamel, which means the veneers can look thicker and less natural because of the process and the materials used to make the changes.
All veneers are carefully customized to create a flawless, natural-looking new smile. And, of course, the whole point of veneers is to upgrade the look of your natural teeth.
Most patients who get porcelain veneers have no intention of ever reversing the procedure, whether their teeth are altered under the veneers or not. The point of a smile makeover, ultimately, is to completely revamp your appearance. It's important to be fully committed to your smile upgrade before you proceed with any cosmetic dentistry procedures.
If you're unhappy with the appearance of your natural teeth but you're concerned that porcelain veneers will alter your real teeth too much, take all the time you need to discuss every possible cosmetic dentistry option with your Philadelphia dentist, so you feel completely comfortable with your smile makeover.
At your consultation at Dentistry for Life, we will review all viable cosmetic dentistry procedures with you to determine what kind of smile makeover is right for your goals, lifestyle, and budget. This is the time to ask all your questions about how veneers affect your teeth and whether veneers can ruin real teeth.
Ready to talk teeth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimmie Patel or Dr. Kunal Parikh at Dentistry for Life in Philadelphia to find out everything you need to know about porcelain veneers, determine whether you're a good candidate for this smile makeover, and get on the path to a beautiful, permanent, new smile and a new you.
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