Are You a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for people who are hampered by cosmetic flaws that prevent them from sharing their smile confidently. In fact, porcelain veneers can fix multiple problems at the same time, such as:
- Misaligned Teeth
- Discolored Teeth
- Cracked Teeth
- Gaps Between Teeth
- Misshapen Teeth
If you suffer from the above problems, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. A porcelain veneer is a thin porcelain shell that is shaped like a tooth. It affixes to the front of teeth, masking imperfections. The end result is a picture-perfect smile that is uniform and symmetrical.
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Narcisi, serving Monroeville and Pittsburgh for more than two decades, regularly assesses porcelain veneer candidates and can determine if you would be a good candidate. Even if you are not a good candidate for porcelain veneers, he can suggest other treatments that might better suit your problems.
Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers
Good candidates for porcelain veneers are people whose teeth have cosmetic flaws that detract from their smile. This can include discoloration, gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, cracked teeth, and small or large teeth.
The problems with your smile, however, should be mainly cosmetic. Porcelain veneers need to be supported by healthy teeth. Your gums should also be healthy. Any problems with your teeth or gums must be corrected before proceeding with veneers.
Among the requirements for porcelain veneers:
- Your teeth are healthy with no decay.
- Your gums are healthy.
- You do not regularly clench or grind your teeth.
- Your bite is aligned correctly.
- You have enough tooth enamel.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
The beauty of porcelain is its ability to mimic the luster of natural tooth enamel. This tooth-like luster allows you the option of placing a porcelain veneer on a single flawed tooth or multiple teeth at once, knowing they will blend in naturally with your other teeth.
Generally, porcelain veneers require two appointments. During the first appointment, your teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth. This creates room for the veneers and ensures a strong bond when the veneer is applied.
Then Dr. Narcisi will take an impression of your teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where the veneers will be custom-created for you. The design of each veneer will take into consideration your nearby teeth so that a balanced and uniform smile is created. While the veneers are being created, you will wear a set of temporary veneers.
At the second appointment about a week or two later, the temporary veneers will be removed. Each custom-crafted porcelain veneer will be checked and adjusted, then placed on your teeth using dental cement.
What to Consider
Porcelain veneers create beautiful smiles, but you should understand the process is irreversible since some of your tooth enamel has been removed. This makes getting veneers a lifetime commitment. Though veneers are durable and generally last a decade or longer, at times they will need maintenance.
If you would like to know more about porcelain veneers and whether you are a good candidate, we recommend a personal consultation with Dr. Narcisi. He will assess your teeth and answer your questions about porcelain veneers.
Please contact us for an appointment.
