Of all the cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available to enhance the smile, few are as versatile as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are shell-like prosthetics that cover the front of the teeth to hide a comprehensive range of dental flaws, including minor alignment problems.
Gaps are a common concern for patients with misalignment issues. If the teeth are not aligned properly, patients may have large gaps between some teeth, most often the front teeth. Dental veneers in Carthage, NY can fix many small issues in your smile such as gaps between teeth, so that you enjoy a more uniform looking smile.
Who Can Benefit from Veneers?
Porcelain veneers treatment is an effective cosmetic solution for individuals who are looking to improve their smile by addressing imperfections such as discoloration, chips, cracks, or gaps. However, porcelain veneers are not the best option for every patient. When it comes to treating gaps, patients should understand that porcelain veneers are strictly an aesthetic solution. Porcelain veneers conceal gaps, but they cannot close gaps.
In most cases, gaps are superficial concerns that do not affect the health or function of the smile. However, larger gaps may be an indicator of more serious misalignment problems that require orthodontic treatment. A dentist near you will examine your gaps to determine if porcelain veneers offer sufficient treatment for their specific situation.
Porcelain Veneers Treatment
When a patient is an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, he or she can expect fast and effective treatment. Porcelain veneers treatment is typically completed in just two dental appointments, which are scheduled a few weeks apart.
At the first stage of porcelain veneers treatment, a veneers dentist near you will design a set of veneers that best meets your unique needs. Cosmetic dentists are able to customize the size, shape, and color of veneers so that they blend in seamlessly with the natural teeth, while enhancing the overall appearance of the smile.
After the veneers have been designed, the next step of the treatment is the preparation process. Your dentist will remove a very thin layer of enamel from the teeth so that the porcelain veneers sit flush with adjacent teeth and look like a natural part of the smile. Once the teeth have been prepped, temporary veneers will be put in place until the permanent veneers are complete.
Within a few weeks, the permanent porcelain veneers should be complete and patients can return to the dental office for the placement process. After testing their fit, porcelain veneers will be bonded to the facial surface of the teeth with a dental compound. The compound acts like a cement, and essentially glues the veneers to the teeth as it hardens.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
One of the many benefits of porcelain veneers is their durability. Dental bonding, which is another popular treatment option for gapped teeth, usually lasts around five years. Comparatively, porcelain veneers can last for 15 years or more, provided that our patients care for them properly and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Dental veneers also offer ease of maintenance and care. You do not need to perform any additional cleaning or maintenance to take care of your veneers. Simply following a daily brushing and flossing routine with regular dental cleanings will keep the veneers in perfect shape.
If you want to close any gaps between your teeth or treat any other minor cosmetic issues, porcelain veneers in Carthage, NY can be the perfect solution for you. At Long Falls Dentistry, our expert dentists will help you determine your veneer treatment and the number of veneers you need.