Porcelain Veneers – Metairie, Louisiana
Perfect Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
A beautiful smile is an accessory that never goes out of style. It can make others feel warm and welcome, and it can help you thrive in any social situation. It even has the potential to make you look younger and more successful. If your teeth have obvious flaws, however, you might be missing out on your smile’s potential. That’s where porcelain veneers in Metairie come in. This treatment offers a fast and effective way to transform the way your teeth look.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin pieces of porcelain that Dr. Nelson, your dentist in Metairie, attaches to the fronts of your teeth. Their purpose is to disguise a wide range of flaws, including:
- Discoloration
- Cracks and chips
- Minor misalignment
- Teeth that are too small
- Misshapen teeth
Since they’re made out of high-quality materials, you can expect veneers to last for at least 10 – 15 years before you need to replace them. Furthermore, because porcelain is resistant to stains, your smile can maintain its luster for a long time. The veneers might even improve your oral health; in order to take care of them, you’ll need to take excellent care of your entire mouth.
The number of veneers you receive is up to you. Some patients want just one veneer to cover an especially unsightly tooth, while others opt for a full set of 4 – 8 veneers to dramatically alter their smile’s appearance.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The porcelain veneer treatment process usually takes place across two appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Nelson prepares the teeth that will support the veneers. He must remove a thin sliver of enamel so your new smile doesn’t look bulky or unnatural. Then, he’ll take detailed impressions and images of the teeth, which will serve as the basis for creating your custom veneers.
You’ll wear a temporary veneer while a dental lab expertly crafts your new look. Once the veneers are ready, you’ll return to our office so Dr. Nelson can make any necessary final adjustments to them before he attaches them to your teeth.
Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
If you’re thinking about getting porcelain veneers, come to our office for a consultation! During your appointment, Dr. Nelson will examine your mouth and talk to you about your smile goals. Once he gains a clear understanding of your oral health and what you want to accomplish, he can recommend an appropriate cosmetic treatment.
Ideal candidates for porcelain veneers:
- Are free of gum disease and other significant oral health concerns
- Have an adequate amount of tooth enamel to support the veneers
- Do not smoke
- Understand that veneers are a long-term commitment
- Stick to excellent oral hygiene habits
- Do not habitually grind or clench their teeth
Veneers FAQs
If you’re looking for a more perfected smile, dental veneers could be the solution. However, they’re quite an investment, so it’s understandable that you have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we receive about veneers in Metairie. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers aren’t technically permanent because they will eventually need to be replaced. However, they are considered to be irreversible. To ensure that veneers fit properly on your teeth, a small amount of protective enamel must be filed away. Since removed enamel doesn’t grown back, teeth prepared in this way will always need to be covered with either veneers or dental crowns.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Veneers that are made from porcelain are stain resistant. This is because porcelain is a nonporous material, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a harder time slipping beneath the surface. Ultimately, you should be able to drink your morning coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers. Just keep in mind that veneers are not stain-proof, so excessive consumption of dark-colored beverages can still have a negative effect over time. Moderation is key!
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
The goal of veneers is for all of your visible teeth to match, so you will receive the appropriate number in order to accomplish this goal. Some patients opt for a single veneer to cover one cracked or broken tooth while others get anywhere from 6 to 12 for a more complete smile makeover. During your consultation, we will discuss what the right number is to achieve the goals you have for your pearly whites.
Is It Painful to Get Veneers?
Your mouth will typically be numbed during the veneer placement, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity when the temporary veneers are first attached. This is more likely when you are having multiple veneers being placed. Some patients experience “bonding sensitivity,” which means they feel sharp discomfort when biting into something hot or cold for a while. Fortunately, this is all temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses.