Instant Orthodontics and What Patients Should Know
Very few people in the world are born with a perfect smile. Issues with malocclusion, tooth damage, and tooth discoloration can turn an otherwise beautiful smile into a source of self-consciousness. This is why visiting with a cosmetic dentist can be a real godsend. There are plenty of treatments that a cosmetic dentist can use to make your smile look its very best.
Right now, we'd like to consider one treatment option that has proven very helpful to many patients: porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are so effective that many people have referred to them as "instant orthodontics."
About Porcelain Veneers
Also know as dental veneers, porcelain veneers are thin shells of specially crafted dental ceramic that are affixed to the fronts of the teeth. When in place, porcelain veneers are able to mask the following dental imperfections:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Stained teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Crooked teeth
- Symmetry issues
- Spacing issues
The best part is that when porcelain veneers are in place, no one will be able to tell that you've undergone a cosmetic dentistry treatment since they blend in seamlessly with natural tooth structure.
Why are porcelain veneers called "instant orthodontics"?
The reason that people have nicknamed porcelain veneers "instant orthodontics" has everything to do with the treatment timeframe and the quality of the results.
Porcelain veneers can make it seem as if you have undergone a full orthodontic treatment even though that is not the case. In addition, the whole porcelain veneers process takes only a visit or two, with is practically instantaneous when compared to the months needed for actual orthodontic care.
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who suffer from the above listed dental problems and are in generally good dental health otherwise. They should have realistic expectations about the treatment process and what it entails as well.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
The porcelain veneers procedure first involves the preparation of the tooth or teeth to be treated. This means the removal of a fraction of a millimeter of tooth structure from the front of the tooth to accommodate the porcelain veneer. An impression is taken of the prepped tooth, and it is from this impression that the porcelain veneer is crafted at a dental lab. While the porcelain veneer is crafted, a patient will wear a temporary veneer or veneers.
At a second dental visit (usually a week to 10 days later), the permanent porcelain veneer will be placed. Your dentist will carefully examine the veneer for fit, condition, and color match before it is placed.
Aftercare for Porcelain Veneers
One of the best things about porcelain veneers is that their maintenance and aftercare is generally very simple. In order to prolong the life of your porcelain veneers, we recommend the following simple, common sense tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth at least every night
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular dental checkups
- Do not chew objects that are not intended to be chewed
- Wear mouth protection when engaging in contact or combat sports
Learn More About Your Smile Makeover Options
If you would like to learn more about your many different options for advanced smile makeover treatment, be sure to contact our Garden City cosmetic dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible results.
