5 Things to Know Before Getting Porcelain Veneers | Arlington, VA
If you have been considering getting porcelain veneers, you may have started to pay attention to a lot of the information (and misinformation) that is out there. In our offices, we hear patients concerns about porcelain veneers and some of their underlying reasons. We wanted to set the record straight about porcelain veneers to help clear up some of the misinformation and make sure that you understand what this procedure is really all about.
- Veneers Are Not Immediate – Porcelain veneers require a multistep process. They aren’t a quick fix, and you can get them installed for that big dinner that’s coming up in just a few hours. Instead, talk to your dentist about the process. This usually includes an initial consultation and evaluation, a preparatory appointment, and then the final installation. The process can sometimes take a few days if schedules align, but you can usually plan on a matter of weeks to complete the process.
- Veneers are Personalized – When it comes to deciding what your final product is going to look like, you will get to help shape the outcome. Your dentist will take a series of measurements to help get the best fit for your bite and your smile, but you can also help to adjust some of those things if you choose. Many patients also opt for tooth whitening, so their veneers will need to match the desired shade of whiteness, but changes can also reflect length, width, and thickness to create the perfect smile.
- You Still have Natural Teeth – One of the most common myths that exist about veneers is that your dentist will have to completely remove or extract your natural tooth in order to have veneers. Veneers are not a tooth replacement like dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Instead, veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are adhered to the front of your tooth. Dentists generally have to remove some small portion of the front of the tooth so that your veneers don’t protrude out further than your gums or other teeth. However, they are attached to the front of your tooth. In fact, if your tooth had to be removed, you could not have veneers.
- You get a “Trial Smile” – Once the dentist prepares the front of the tooth for your permanent veneers, you’ll have to wear a temporary veneer. While this product won’t look and feel exactly like your permanent veneer, it will help you see and feel what the finished product will be like. Your family and friends probably won’t even be able to notice the difference between temporary and permanent veneers.
- Veneers are not Permanent – Many patients believe that once they have had their veneers that they won’t ever have to worry about them again. While veneers can last for a very long time, they aren’t designed to last forever. With proper care, veneers can last for 10-20 years, and sometimes even longer.
Once your veneers have been installed, it is important to continue their care to ensure that they last as long as possible. Your dentist will help guide you through all of the details of their care, but you can generally expect that you’ll need to adhere to a strict regimen of oral hygiene. This means that you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and see your dentist regularly. You should also schedule an appointment if you are having any issues with your veneers.
