While watching your favorite TV show or movie, it’s evident that the actors on screen have bright, perfectly aligned smiles. You wonder if that’s a prerequisite to land a job in Hollywood as you self-consciously run your tongue along your imperfect teeth. How is it possible that all of these people were born with immaculate mouths loaded with super straight pearly whites?
What you don’t see behind the scenes is that many of these actors have had dental work done, such as porcelain veneers, to gloss over imperfections and create a shiny, luminous appearance. If you think that the chance to professionally treat your smile is only for movie stars, think again! Porcelain veneers in Omaha are within your reach at Legacy Dental, where our expert dental team strives to provide each patient with compassionate care that provides life-changing results. If you’ve ever considered cosmetic dentistry, here are the top 6 questions asked about porcelain veneers.
1. What are Porcelain Veneers?
You may have heard the word veneer applied to home improvement projects, since it applies to a process where a beautiful, expensive piece of wood is adhered to an inferior piece to improve its appearance. In dentistry, the same concept applies except the material is porcelain, and it is applied as a thin shell that changes the shape, size, or color of teeth. Additionally, porcelain veneers can be used to correct crowding, chipping, or spacing issues. Why use porcelain? The material best mimics the natural light and coloring of healthy tooth enamel.
2. What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?
The best way to remember the difference between crowns and veneers is to examine how they cover a tooth. When wearing a hat, it surrounds and covers the circumference of your head. This is similar to a dental crown, which surrounds, and also covers, an entire tooth. In a dental context, a “hat” and a “crown” can be thought of as quite similar! A veneer simply covers the front of your tooth in order to create a new shape, size, or color with a thin shell of porcelain.
3. How Long Will Veneers Last?
If your natural teeth are showing signs of aging, staining, and misalignment, porcelain veneers are an excellent option for cosmetic dentistry. The average life span of porcelain veneers is 10-15 years if care and caution is taken to extend their longevity. Some things to avoid are:
- opening items with your teeth
- biting your nails
- chewing hard foods with your back teeth or cutting dense foods into smaller pieces
With some maintenance and care on your part, your porcelain veneers will last for many years worth of hearty meals, bright smiles, and impromptu pictures.
4. Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
If you find yourself covering your smile with your hand, avoiding exposing your teeth when you smile, or noticing permanent stains on your teeth, you are a great candidate for porcelain veneers. If your self-confidence and daily activities are affected by the state of your smile, it’s time to explore options that improve your confidence and your smile!
5. What Is the Process?
The first step is to prepare your teeth for veneers. In some cases, no preparation is required. Next, impressions are made of your teeth, which are then sent to a ceramist, who specializes in crafting your ideal smile. The ceramist then creates a wax “veneer” of your ideal smile that is turned into temporary veneers. After wearing these temporary veneers, and noting any areas that you’d like to change, a final porcelain set is made, which is applied and sealed at a final visit. This step-by-step process allows you to make adjustments along the way based on your vision of the final product, while also causing very little discomfort in your daily life.
6. How Do I Learn More About Legacy Dental’s Porcelain Veneers Process?
Omaha’s expert team at Legacy Dental can thoroughly answer your questions about porcelain veneers during an in-depth consultation. Contact us today to see how our cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers can give you a dazzling Hollywood smile… right here in the heart of Nebraska!