Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dental work that allows patients to make subtle or dramatic changes to the appearance of their smiles. This includes treating imperfections of the gums and teeth. When Scottsdale, AZ area patients visit their dentist at AZ Dental Wellness of Scottsdale, they are welcome to ask about procedures used for smile enhancement such as porcelain veneers.
What is a porcelain veneer?
Cosmetic dental restorations are commonly made with porcelain because the material so closely replicates the appearance of natural tooth enamel. When the anterior teeth have imperfections that need to be covered, it makes sense to use a porcelain veneer. This is a thin facing made of ceramic that is custom fabricated to match the patient’s smile in color, shape, and overall size. It is bonded onto the front of the tooth to disguise issues such as:
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Unusually shaped teeth
- Permanently stained teeth
- fractured/chipped teeth
Porcelain veneers are a standard restoration created for Scottsdale, AZ patients seeking a fast and effective way of addressing the beauty of the smile.
Who is a candidate for a porcelain veneer?
The best candidates for veneers are patients who have a healthy smile that requires coverage to improve appearance. This means that patients should be free from cavities and periodontal disease before they consider elective procedures such as this. Porcelain veneers cover a natural tooth but does not protect the tooth from decay and disease. Patients need to be serious about improving their oral health to ensure their veneers last a long time and provide the coverage they desire.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are popular with our patients because they last a long time. With proper care and continued maintenance, patients can expect their veneers to last at least ten years. This makes them a wise investment that continues to enhance the smile year after year. If patients need to have them replaced, they can visit their dentist for the creation of another veneer as required.
BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS
How do I care for porcelain veneers?
Veneers are simple to take care of. Patients need to brush and floss their teeth as they usually would to reduce the risk of infection or decay. Patients also need to visit Dr. Rogel Carlos of AZ Dental Wellness of Scottsdale on a routine basis for cleanings and examinations. Examinations are critical for everyone, but especially patients who have porcelain veneers. This is because the veneers can hide issues that can only be detected with x-rays and a physical evaluation with our dental team. Proactive care of the smile is highly recommended to ensure that restorations and the natural teeth stay beautiful and healthy!
What is the process of obtaining porcelain veneers?
Once a patient has discussed the benefits of porcelain veneers with their dentist and have been determined a candidate, they need to have their teeth prepared for placement. This requires Dr. Rogel Carlos to remove a thin portion of the natural tooth enamel from the front of the tooth. Impressions are completed and sent to a dental laboratory. This laboratory has a ceramist that custom-creates the porcelain veneers based on the impressions and the dentist’s instructions. Within approximately two weeks, patients return to AZ Dental Wellness of Scottsdale to have their porcelain veneers bonded in place. The entire process takes a few weeks, but the results will last a decade or more when patients make dental health and wellness a priority.
Protecting the veneers
Veneers are susceptible to damage, so patients need to protect their veneers and natural teeth in certain situations. For example, patients who clench and grind their teeth at night will want to wear an oral appliance that can reduce pressure and protect the teeth. Additionally, when patients are participating in high impact sports such as hockey and football, they need to wear a mouth guard at all times to reduce the risk of teeth becoming damaged from trauma and injury.
Request an appointment with Dr. Rogel Carlos today!
If you reside in the community of Scottsdale, AZ and want to work with a cosmetic dentist who offers porcelain veneer, call today to book your visit at (480) 747-1352 . Our professionals work hard to offer patients ways to enhance their teeth and improve their self-confidence through their smile. We love our current patients and encourage new patients to visit our state-of-the-art facility at 3014 North Hayden Road in Suite 104.
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