If you have tooth stains, gaps between front teeth, or crooked front teeth, veneers are what you need. Porcelain veneers can help correct many dental health and cosmetic concerns. One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, porcelain veneers can repair damaged teeth, fix misshapen teeth, and brighten stained teeth. Learn all about porcelain veneers from our cosmetic dentist in Lexington, KY.
At Complete Dentistry For All Ages, Dr. Morgan Chambers provides custom porcelain veneers. She helps patients achieve their dream smile and improve their overall dental health. Dr. Chambers can also provide a quick smile makeover for minor issues with porcelain veneers.
Continue reading to learn about the treatment and if it’s right for you, then schedule a consultation online. You’ll feel confident about the way that you look again.
Porcelain Veneers in Lexington, KY
Our dental veneers are ultra-thin shells made of porcelain, an almost translucent material. Your dentist will bond them to the front of your imperfect teeth to improve their shape and look. Porcelain veneers enable Dr. Chambers to correct a variety of dental health and cosmetic concerns. They’re durable, stain-resistant, and create permanent cosmetic results.
Porcelain veneers are strong and can last 10 years or more without needing repair or replacement. With proper care, they’re great for improving teeth without making a significant investment in dental work. Veneers are less expensive than crowns and other types of dental restorations. They’re also stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them staining over time.
Veneers can also help you achieve the perfect smile by improving your bite and teeth alignment. Porcelain veneers can:
- Give you a whiter smile as an alternative to teeth whitening
- Create more uniform teeth that are in proper shape
- Close gaps between teeth
- Straighten a crooked tooth
- Repair tooth wear and tear and strengthen teeth
- Hide stains or discoloration
- Resize worn-down teeth
Porcelain veneers also look like real tooth enamel. In fact, most people won’t even know you have them unless you tell them. We work closely with patients to ensure the result is comfortable, looks like your real teeth, and is long-lasting. View porcelain veneers before and after photos of real patients in our smile gallery for inspiration.
The Porcelain Veneer Treatment Process
Dr. Chambers diagnoses and addresses any underlying dental problems to provide lasting porcelain veneer results. As a practitioner of complete dentistry, Dr. Chambers takes the time to analyze a patient’s entire occlusal system. She will look for imbalances that will compromise your results.
So before she can begin the porcelain veneer procedure, Dr. Chambers will conduct a comprehensive dental exam and consultation. Then, she can decide if custom-made porcelain veneers are the most suitable option for you. She will create and discuss the treatment plan and expected results with you. It usually takes 2 to 3 visits to our Lexington, KY dental office for patients to see their final results.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Dr. Chambers will begin by preparing your teeth for the veneers on the day of the procedure. She will remove a small amount of the tooth enamel from the treatment area. This creates room for the veneers to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth, and a rough surface for the veneers to grip.
Dr. Chambers will send impressions of your teeth along with treatment specifications to a highly talented ceramist. The specialist will hand-fabricate each dental veneer in a laboratory. It generally takes about 2 weeks for Dr. Chambers to receive your final restorations.
In the meantime, you will wear temporary veneers that Dr. Chambers will place on your teeth. Be sure to stay away from hard and crunchy foods and hot drinks while you have temporary veneers. Your temporary veneers could pop off or come loose. While you wait for your permanent veneers, just follow the temporary care tips to keep everything in place.
At your final appointment, Dr. Chambers will securely fit the veneers on your teeth and make sure they’re comfortable for you. Then, she will cement them to your teeth to create a permanent restoration. Lastly, she will provide any specific long-term care instructions for maintaining your new smile. You can always call our dental office with questions before and after your treatment and we will be happy to help.
Getting porcelain veneers with Dr. Chambers is a simple process. From preparing your teeth to placing your custom-made veneers, each step is done with care. Once your final veneers are bonded, you’ll leave with a confident new smile. Our team will always be here to help if you have any questions or issues.
How to Care For Veneers
After you get your porcelain veneers in Lexington, KY, you must ensure you properly care for them so they last. Follow these tips to care for your veneers:
- Brush and floss: A good oral hygiene routine helps your veneers last. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food particles from between your teeth. While veneers themselves cannot be impacted by infection, infection can impact your natural teeth and gums.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Veneers are strong but not invincible. Don’t bite down on hard objects like ice, nuts, and pen caps because you can chip or crack them. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can pull at your veneers, potentially dislodging them. Instead, eat soft and easy-to-chew foods.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Veneers resist stains, but the surrounding natural teeth can still discolor. Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products. If you continue to consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining. Always use a straw for beverages that can stain your teeth.
- Visit For Dental Check-Ups: Visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. During these visits, Dr. Chambers will inspect your veneers to ensure they remain in good condition. If our dentist finds any problems with your veneers, she will address these potential issues early. Professional cleanings at these visits will also support the longevity of your veneers.
- Protect Your Teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to our dentist about getting a custom TMJ night guard. This will protect your veneers from the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding). If you participate in contact sports, wear a protective mouthguard to prevent injury to your teeth and veneers.
Patient Review
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Do you want to learn more about veneers? Read on to discover if porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic dental choice for you.
What are the drawbacks of dental veneers?
Since porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover your teeth, your dentist can’t use them to correct deep or severe dental problems. If you need significant changes to many of your teeth, such as straightening them, porcelain veneers won’t be an option.
Porcelain veneers won’t last forever. They will eventually wear down and can chip and break like teeth. For example, veneers are likely to chip or break if you regularly grind your teeth or chew on hard objects. You need to be more careful about how you use your teeth when you have veneers.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
They typically last for about ten years. With proper care and routine dental exams, you won’t have to worry about replacing them often. However, you may need to replace them sooner if you neglect your dental health. Remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to keep them healthy.
What if my veneers fall off?
On the rare occasion that a veneer falls off, try to locate it and bring it into our Lexington dental office for a replacement. Permanent veneers don’t tend to just fall off or suddenly break. The majority of old veneers are prone to this issue however.
Tooth decay is the leading contributor to a veneer falling off. For example, decay has likely eaten away at the teeth behind the veneers if it’s been a long time since you had a dental checkup. The decay makes it hard for the veneers to stay on, and they will eventually fall right off.
Dental patient after getting porcelain veneers on her front teeth at Complete Dentistry for All Ages.
What happens if a veneer chips or cracks?
If a veneer chips or cracks, don’t worry. Contact our dental practice so we can give you the best advice on what to do next. If it’s a small chip, we can fix it with special bonding material.
However, you may need to replace the veneer if the damage is serious. We will help you with any damage that happens to your veneers. Make sure to take care of your veneers by avoiding hard foods and practicing good oral hygiene to prevent future chips or cracks.
Should I get crowns or veneers?
Getting dental crowns over veneers depends on your situation. Veneers are more of a cosmetic dental treatment versus dental crowns. Crowns can effectively cover an entire tooth to seal out decay, remove deep stains, and restore the tooth. Veneers only cover the front of teeth for mainly cosmetic reasons.
Your situation might not warrant an entire dental crown, especially if it’s for cosmetic issues. Your dentist will recommend the best course of action and help you compare your options.
Is the porcelain veneers process painful?
No, the porcelain veneer process won’t cause pain or stress on your gums and teeth. We will use local anesthesia to prevent discomfort. Sometimes, this isn’t necessary for veneer cases on the front teeth. Dr. Chambers and our team will be attentive and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Can anyone get porcelain veneers?
Not everyone can get porcelain veneers, but many patients qualify. First, you need to have healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will need to treat cavities or gum disease first. You should also have a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep your veneers in the best shape.
If you have serious bite problems or teeth grinding, we may recommend other treatments first to prevent damage to your veneers. We may suggest wearing devices like night guards to prevent damage to your new investment. The patient should be actively mindful about their new veneers.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
To schedule a dental exam and risk-free consultation for porcelain veneers, give us a call at 859-251-3809. You can also request a dental appointment online anytime. Complete Dentistry For All Ages is here for all your cosmetic dental needs.