What to Know about Porcelain Veneers Before and After Treatment
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on March 29, 2022
Minor smile imperfections–like stains, gaps, and chips–can drastically impact your smile and overall appearance. Porcelain veneers seamlessly cover smile imperfections, leaving you with a new and improved grin.
With locations in Bridgewater and Staunton, VA, the dentists at Smiles for Life Dental Care take great pride in providing quality dental treatments for patients in and around Harrisonburg, VA. That’s why our dentists partner with a top-tier dental laboratory to provide incredibly lifelike veneers for qualified candidates.
Porcelain veneers are an easy and permanent way to revamp your appearance. But, it’s important to know what to expect from porcelain veneers before and after treatment. Our knowledgeable team is here to give you the lowdown on high-quality veneers.
What to Know Before Porcelain Veneer Treatment
While dental veneers are a simple way to illuminate your smile, there are still some things you should know about, such as:
- You must have healthy teeth and gums first
- Certain conditions may preclude you from treatment
- They are a life-long commitment
Assessing Your Oral Health
Our dentists expertly examine each patient’s mouth before recommending porcelain veneers. They are looking for specific qualifiers that make patients ideal veneer candidates, such as:
- Cavity-free teeth
- Sufficient tooth enamel
- Healthy, disease-free gums
Patients with cavities or gum disease must have these issues resolved at our office before proceeding with veneer treatment.
Contraindications
Some dental conditions may prohibit patients from getting cosmetic veneers, including;
- Severe bruxism–or teeth grinding
- Periodontal disease
- Moderate to severe misalignments
- Insufficient tooth enamel
These conditions decrease the effectiveness of permanent veneers and may lead to other oral health issues. In some cases, our dentists may recommend dental crowns instead of veneers to protect and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Lifetime Commitment
Our dentists must remove a small amount of tooth enamel before adhering veneers to the front surface of the teeth. This means that they will become a permanent part of your mouth, and they must be replaced once worn or damaged.
What to Know After Porcelain Veneer Treatment
Just as important as knowing what to expect before treatment is knowing what to expect after porcelain veneer treatment. Some matters that patients need to consider after getting porcelain veneers include:
- The recovery and adjustment period
- Regular upkeep and maintenance
Recovery and Adjustment Period
Research suggests that porcelain veneers have a 91% survival rate over 20 years, but such longevity requires regular dental care. Subsequently, patients must commit to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Ask Us About Porcelain Veneers Today
Understanding the commitments of porcelain veneers before and after treatment is key to a successful procedure. If you’d like to discuss dental veneers with our dentists, request a consultation using our online form. Patients can also call one of our two, convenient locations. Call our Bridgewater office at 540-828-2312 or our Staunton office at 540-887-3304.
