You don’t have to be born with perfect teeth to enjoy the benefits of a gorgeous, radiant smile. Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular and versatile cosmetic dental treatments used to transform imperfect teeth. Made of thin shells of porcelain, veneers are placed over the front surface of the teeth, hiding an array of cosmetic flaws in the process.
As one of Sudbury’s most talented dentists, Dr. Mia Fitzgerald has helped transform hundreds of patients’ smiles with porcelain veneers. Whether you need one veneer or several, Dr. Fitzgerald can help revitalize your smile and your self-confidence!
Can I Benefit from Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are fabricated from high-quality porcelain, a material that closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel. Custom-crafted to your unique specifications, veneers are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.
You can benefit from porcelain veneers if you are self-conscious or embarrassed by one or more of the following cosmetic issues:
- Small chips or cracks in the teeth
- Discoloration or stains, including those that cannot be properly treated with whitening or bleaching products
- Irregularly sized or shaped teeth
- Small spaces or gaps between the teeth
- Slightly crooked or uneven teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
Treatment Details
The process of planning and placing veneers usually requires two dental appointments performed over a two-week span. During the first appointment, Dr. Fitzgerald will prepare the tooth or teeth that will receive the veneers. In order to accommodate the veneers, a small amount of tooth structure must be removed. Once this is done, Dr. Fitzgerald will take impressions of your teeth and bite, and send them to a dental laboratory that will create your veneers with utmost precision. She will place temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent restorations. It is normal to feel some sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages while you adjust to the veneers.
Once your permanent restorations are ready, you will return to our office. Dr. Fitzgerald will remove your temporary veneers and place the permanent ones. If needed, she will make any last-minute adjustments to the veneers to ensure a precise fit. The veneers will then be bonded into place, buffed and polished.
Taking Care of Your Veneers
With good oral health and proper care, your veneers can last for many years. Veneers must be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. While you can eat and drink normally with veneers, we recommend you avoid biting down or chewing on hard foods and objects that could potentially crack your veneers. Finally, you should keep up with all of your routine dental checkups with Dr. Fitzgerald so she can make sure your veneers are in good shape at all times.
FAQs
How many dental appointments will I need for my veneers?
The process of planning and placing porcelain veneers typically involves two dental appointments scheduled over the course of two weeks. If the veneers are properly fitted, there is no need for additional appointments. However, if you experience difficultly chewing or eating with your veneers, or you simply do not feel they are a good fit, then you will need to come into our office so Dr. Fitzgerald can make additional adjustments to your veneers.
Is the procedure painful?
The veneer procedure is typically performed using a local anesthetic to numb the treated areas.
Is there any downtime following the procedure?
There is no downtime after the veneer placement procedure. However, it is very normal for you to experience some tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures due to the removal of a thin layer of enamel. This will subside within a few days after treatment.
Will my porcelain veneers look natural?
Your porcelain veneers will be expertly designed and fitted to your unique specifications for a completely natural look. Porcelain closely resembles the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel, so once in place, your veneers will blend in seamlessly with your teeth. No one will be able to tell you have veneers.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
The typical lifespan of porcelain veneers is anywhere from 10 to 15 years. But with good care, veneers can last for decades or longer in some patients.
Do porcelain veneers require special care?
Porcelain veneers do not require special treatment or care. You should care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth. Good hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are necessary to maintain your new, radiant smile for years to come. It is also a good idea to avoid biting down on hard foods (e.g., nuts) and objects (e.g., ice and fingernails) to avoid damage to your veneers.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?
Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are two types of dental restorations used to enhance the appearance of teeth. The difference is that porcelain veneers only alter the appearance of the front exterior of teeth while dental crowns are caps that alter the entire exterior of teeth.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance, as they are considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure. However, Dr. Fitzgerald offers several affordable financing options to help patients pay for their dental treatments, including porcelain veneers. Please speak to a member of our team to learn more.
Transform Your Smile and Confidence with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth and uniformity of your smile. To learn more about veneers, or the other cosmetic dental procedures offered at the practice of Dr. Mia Fitzgerald, please schedule a personal consultation. Contact her practice by calling or emailing our Sudbury office today.
