If you have gaps in your smile that you’d like to close but don’t want to spend the time on orthodontic treatment, you may believe that there’s simply nothing else you can do. But the good news is that there’s another treatment you may not have known about that can help. Keep reading to learn more porcelain veneers, and how this innovative cosmetic dentistry procedure can fix minor smile flaws instantly!
What Are Veneers?
Often referred to as “instant orthodontics,” veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your existing teeth to make them appear whiter, larger, and more evenly spaced. This versatile treatment is also very durable, so you can enjoy a wide range of delicious foods without fear of them breaking or staining.
How Can Veneers Fix Gaps in My Smile?
Because your veneers can be custom shaped and sized, your dentist can easily use them to close small gaps in your smile. You can even choose their exact shade, so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, or if you choose to get more, you can completely change the color of your smile to one that is whiter and brighter!
How Long Does It Take to Get Veneers?
In comparison to orthodontics, getting veneers is a very fast treatment. In fact, it can often be completed in about two appointments. First, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth you’d like to treat. Then, you will need impressions made of the teeth, and you’ll be given temporary veneers to protect your teeth until the permanent veneers are ready. In about two weeks, you’ll return to have your new veneers attached, and you’ll be able to begin enjoying your new smile immediately!
How Do I Care for Veneers?
With proper care and use, your new veneers can last up to 20 years. Thankfully, maintaining them is easy. Simply brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Never use bleaching products on your veneers, as this will not work on them and could damage them. Be careful with what you eat with your veneers, too. Though they can withstand a full range of options, you should not use them to crunch ice or hard candies, nor should you use them to bite fingernails, open packaging, or chew on objects like pen caps.
If you have bruxism (teeth grinding) it is important to speak to your dentist about getting a bite guard to protect all your teeth, not just the ones with veneers, as this can cause them to wear prematurely or break.
Remember, veneers can treat a wide range of cosmetic dental problems faster than you might think. If you have minor gaps in your smile that you’d like to address quickly, speak to your dentist today about whether veneers are right for you!
About Our Practice
Dr. Wendy Winarick earned her graduate degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry-Houston in 2001and purchased her practice in Waco immediately after. She loves helping families in her community put their best faces forward with the help of healthy, beautiful smiles, including the ones you get with porcelain veneers!
Dr. Winarick is actively involved in the American Dental Association, Central Texas Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of GP Orthodontics. To schedule an appointment for veneers at Dental Station Family Dentistry, please visit our website today or call us at 254-772-1827.