Dental patients seeking long-lasting enhancement to the appearance of their teeth can achieve their goals with porcelain veneers. These shell-like caps attach to the front of a patient’s teeth to construct a straighter and brighter smile. Despite the treatment’s clear benefits, some patients may feel nervous about undergoing dental work.
To feel more confident and less anxious about this procedure, you can bring your questions and concerns to your dentist during a consultation. They will be open about what you can expect from this cosmetic dental treatment. Read on to see responses from your expert dentist in Morristown, NJ, to frequently asked questions about the porcelain veneer procedure.
Does the Veneer Procedure Hurt?
Fear of the dentist often stems from the anticipation of pain during dental work. You can relax knowing that receiving porcelain veneers will be a pain-free process. The first step of giving a patient veneers involves preparing the surface of the teeth by etching into the enamel.
To make sure the patient feels no discomfort, the dentist can provide a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. This sensation will wear off within the same day of your procedure.
Some patients might feel some sensitivity when they first have the veneers attached to their teeth, but this effect will fade within a few days. If you feel pain, this is abnormal, and you should let your dentist know.
Can Porcelain Veneers Break?
Dentists design porcelain veneers to withstand the everyday wear and teeth that your teeth experience. But these fixtures are not indestructible. If exposed to abnormally high amounts of pressure, the veneers may crack or dislodge from the teeth.
This damage to the veneers could leave the underlying teeth at risk of dental dangers. So if your veneers break, contact your dentist for an urgent repair or replacement.
To protect your veneers, avoid biting down on hard items like fingernails or the end of a pen. Talk to your dentist if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. This behavior generates pressure that could harm both your teeth and your dental work.
How Long Will Veneers Enhance My Smile?
If you take care of your porcelain veneers, they can remain on your smile for fifteen or more years. Dentists consider this a permanent treatment as the patient cannot remove the fixtures themselves.
Veneers resist both staining and decay, but you should still continue a good oral hygiene regimen if you want this smile enhancement treatment to last. Healthy underlying teeth will ensure your dental work remains secure on your smile.
Brush your teeth twice a day as you normally would to keep your smile clean. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you do not scratch your veneers during this routine.
You should also continue seeing your dentist for routine check-ups. They will provide optimal preventative dental care during these visits and make sure your veneers fit and look as they should.