As we age, our teeth start to show signs of wear and tear. These cracks, gaps, chips, discoloration, and misalignments can cause us to feel self-conscious and maybe we don’t smile as freely as we should. You may look at your smile and be overwhelmed by all the different issues. Maybe you’re dreading the amount of work that you’ll need to have the smile you want. Dental veneers could be an option to correct these problems in just a few office visits with just one procedure instead of multiple.
With porcelain dental veneers, Hampton Roads dentist Dr. William Harper can improve the aesthetics of your smile by correcting the color, shape, and spacing of your teeth. Dental veneers can close spaces between your teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth or whiten stained teeth. Maybe your teeth are chipped or are showing signs of wear? Porcelain veneers can protect them from further damage while also restoring their appearance in a way that looks and feels natural.
Consuming foods with dyes or that are acidic like coffee, most fruit, and sugar can damage enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity or discoloration. Digestion starts in the mouth, and everything we eat affects our teeth, some more than others. Some patients may consider having their teeth whitened, but dental veneers may be right for you if you have multiple concerns that need to be addressed.
For minor gaps between teeth, or a few misaligned teeth, dental veneers could be a quicker and more affordable option than orthodontic treatment. Porcelain veneers are customized for each patient’s mouth and placed over your existing teeth, so Dr. Harper can design yours to cover any minor misalignment, gaps, or cracks.
The veneers are installed by removing the outermost layer of enamel. Then they are simply adhered to the teeth. This is unlike a dental crown, where the teeth are removed or altered. With dental veneers the teeth in your smile will still be your own, simply covered with a protective layer. The result is an enhanced version of your smile!
There are some situations where porcelain veneers may not be the best option at this time. For example, individuals who suffer from bruxism (habitual grinding of teeth) may want to consult with Dr. Harper about addressing this issue before veneers are installed. Patients with very sensitive teeth may not want to undergo the procedure until this issues is addressed. Fortunately, once these issues are treated, most patients are able to benefit from veneers or are able to consider other cosmetic options provided by Dr. Harper.
To learn more about whether porcelain veneers are right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harper and our dental care team. Call 757.414.7227 or schedule a complimentary consultation online today.