Want a secure, highly effective way to improve the look of your teeth? Ask your cosmetic dentist about porcelain veneers. These shell-like caps attach to the front of your teeth to build a straighter and brighter smile that can last longer than many other treatments.
Despite these clear advantages, some people feel nervous about undergoing dental work. It can help you feel at ease in the dentist’s chair if you know what to expect before you arrive for your appointment. To relieve lingering dental fear, check out these responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions about the porcelain veneers procedure.
Are Porcelain Veneers Painful?
One of the factors behind a fear of the dentist is the anticipation of feeling pain during dental work. You can feel reassured that receiving porcelain veneers will not hurt.
The procedure begins with the dentist preparing the surface of the teeth by etching into the enamel. They can give you a local anesthetic to numb the area so that you do not feel discomfort during this session.
Your dentist then secures your custom-made veneers to the front of your teeth with bonding material, which will not hurt. The fixtures themselves will fit according to your unique smile and will not cause you pain after their attachment. Some people may feel sensitivity directly after the procedure, but this symptom should fade.
Can Porcelain Veneers Break?
Dentists design porcelain veneers to endure the everyday wear and tear from chewing and biting that your teeth experience. But these dental fixtures will not be indestructible. When exposed to high amounts of pressure, veneers can crack or dislodge from the teeth.
For this reason, you should not bite hard-textured items if you can help it. Examples include fingernails and ice. You should also talk to your dentist if you have a habit of grinding your teeth.
This behavior generates pressure that could result in veneers breaking or falling off the teeth over time. If your veneers do sustain damage, do not hesitate in letting your dentist know. They will likely ask you to come to their office for urgent repairs or replacements to protect your underlying teeth.
How Long Will Veneers Enhance My Smile?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can continue giving effective smile enhancement for fifteen or more years. Patients can appreciate that these fixtures will resist both staining and decay for improved longevity of the treatment. But you should still care for your dental work and your smile.
Veneers can garner plaque that may harm your underlying teeth. If these teeth sustain damage, it may hinder your cosmetic dental work. So keep practicing good oral hygiene at home.
This will entail brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing on a daily basis. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you do not scratch your veneers. You should also visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings and oral exams. These appointments will provide ideal opportunities for dentists to check that your veneers continue to work as they should too.