Patients in Broken Arrow, OK, often come to us wondering how to improve the look of their teeth, which may have chips, discoloration, or gaps between them. They could undergo a long process of repairs, orthodontics, tooth whitening, and other procedures. But there is a simpler way to make a damaged smile look beautiful: veneers.
There are a few misconceptions about veneers and a lot of questions. Can anyone get veneers? Can you get veneers with bad teeth? Do veneers damage your teeth further?
We often hear these questions at Endicott Dental and are happy to answer them. We offer dental veneers as one of our Cosmetic Dentistry services to our patients who want to transform their smiles quickly and efficiently without going through a long list of dental and orthodontic procedures.
What Are Veneers?
What are veneers, and why do people get veneers? The veneers we offer are thin, hard shells placed over teeth. Veneers cover chips, cracks, discolorations, or gaps between teeth. They can also be used if your teeth have been worn down and no longer have that true tooth shape.
Porcelain veneers, sometimes called direct veneers, are colored to match the natural color of your tooth. Patients like porcelain veneers because they are more stain-resistant than resin, or indirect, veneers. Do veneers stain at all? It’s possible, but it’s a lot more difficult than you think, especially if you brush your teeth properly on a daily basis.
If you brush properly, you can still enjoy your coffee, soda, and certain colored foods. “Can I get porcelain veneers?” You can at Endicott Dental!
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are bonded to your teeth to cover flaws such as discoloration, chips, or cracks. It often takes two or three dental visits to complete the process. A thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneers so they line up more naturally.
What They Don’t Tell You About Veneers
There are a lot of common misconceptions about veneers. For example, veneers can’t just be glued to your teeth. A detailed procedure must be done by a professional dentist and usually requires two or three dental visits to complete the process.
There must be room on the tooth for the veneers so they line up correctly, which is why we must remove enamel. You’ve probably heard that you must have your “teeth shaved down for veneers.”
It sounds like we’re grinding your teeth to stubs, but that’s not the case at all! The veneer process involves buffing away a very thin layer of enamel. You will still have enamel left.
Your enamel will be thinner on your teeth, which could make your teeth more sensitive without veneers. Once the enamel is gone, it can’t grow back. That means that once you decide to get veneers, you will have to keep getting them.
What Is the Veneers Process?
The veneer process begins by choosing the color and shape that will most closely match your natural teeth. Another common misconception is that veneers are false teeth. They aren’t — they simply cover your natural teeth. Consequently, we will make them match your teeth as closely as possible.
It takes some time to make your veneers, depending on how many you get. We may give you a temporary set until your permanent ones are ready. Again, it depends on how many you need and the customization. That’s another misconception:” Veneers are only for front teeth.” Actually, you can get veneers for your back teeth, as well!
How are veneers put on teeth? We start by buffing down the enamel and applying a special cement, then applying the veneer.
Your teeth and mouth will be a bit tender for a few days afterward, but just stick to soft foods for a few days, and that will improve quickly.
Can Anyone Get Veneers?
There is something important to consider with porcelain veneers — they’re permanent. Because we have to buff down the enamel, the veneers need to be permanent. Thinner enamel will be more prone to tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.
If you ever lose or damage your veneers, you’ll need to have them replaced, or you’ll need to cap your teeth. This will keep your teeth protected. This is one reason why veneers aren’t for everyone. If you aren’t prepared to have veneers from now on, you might want to consider other options.
Are veneers bad for your teeth, then? Not at all! They can protect damaged teeth and restore your smile.
You may not be able to get veneers right away if your teeth are too worn down or damaged to hold the veneers in place properly. Teeth spaced too far apart or too close together may need some orthodontic work first. There needs to be adequate space between the teeth so the veneers have room to fit properly.
Otherwise, most people are candidates for veneers. When you visit Endicott Dental, we can evaluate your dental issues and determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you!
Can I Get Veneers If My Teeth Aren’t Straight?
If there is a slight movement of the tooth from its normal position, it’s possible veneers would still work. Large gaps, crooked teeth, or severe bite issues are another matter.
In those cases, we recommend orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign first to straighten your teeth and make room for the veneers. We offer treatment with braces and Invisalign, which means we can take care of all of these services under one roof!
Getting Veneers in Broken Arrow
Are veneers safe? Yes! Today’s veneers are more durable and more natural-looking than ever. Cosmetic porcelain veneers are made to look like your natural teeth, restoring your smile to what it once was.
You can learn more about porcelain veneers in Broken Arrow, OK, by requesting an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain more about veneers and if they are right for you.
We can also discuss financing for your dental services. We work to make our services affordable to you. You deserve to have a beautiful new smile, and Endicott Dental can help you get one!
