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May
Porcelain veneers are among the most requested cosmetic dental procedures in Greensboro, NC and nationally. They are efficient, customizable, and when designed by a talented dentist such as those at Triad Dentistry, they are dazzling. Research has shown that an attractive smile can improve social interactions, first impressions, and other aspects of your quality of life.
If you are considering veneers, you probably have quite a few questions. Here are answers to some of the ones we receive most often.
Crowns cover all exposed tooth surfaces and are used to repair and protect teeth. If you look at a dental crown from above, or from any side, it looks just like a natural tooth. Viewing it from the bottom, you would see that it is hollow inside. Before a tooth is crowned it is reduced in size, and then shaped. This allows the crown to fit over it like a thimble fits on your finger.
Veneers cover only the fronts of teeth and are used primarily for aesthetic enhancement. A veneer is simply an ultra-thin sliver of porcelain. From the front it looks like a tooth, but it is no thicker than a fingernail. Very little tooth enamel is removed in preparation, making this a conservative treatment, yet veneers can entirely change the appearance of teeth.
In some cases, veneers are sufficient to cover minor chips or fractures. However, they are most commonly used to improve the appearance of reasonably healthy teeth. Veneers can change the size, shape, and color of teeth. They may be used for:
Yes and no. First, you need to understand that veneers are not orthodontics, and they will not change the location, angle, or rotation of underlying teeth. What they do change is the appearance. If misalignment is only a cosmetic issue, and it is mild, then veneers may be an option. They can make teeth look perfectly straight. However, if you need to correct orthodontic problems for functional reasons, then you need braces.
The best veneer candidates are adults with good oral health who want to improve the appearance of one or several teeth. If you have untreated gum disease, cavities, or other oral disease, we may recommend addressing that before beginning veneer treatment. The best way to explore your options is to visit Triad Dentistry for a consultation.
The general steps in the procedure are:
In most cases, you can expect about one or two weeks from the initial consultation until your new smile is in place. The exact timeframe is different for every patient, affected by factors such as any preliminary treatments that are needed, the number of revisions or adjustments to the veneers, and the turnaround time of the dental laboratory.
If you have any more questions about porcelain veneers, or of you want to arrange an appointment at Triad Dentistry, please call our office at (336) 383-1482.