Have you ever felt self-conscious about your smile? Ask our cosmetic dentists in Grandville, MI, if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells we’re able to bond to the fronts of your teeth. We may recommend porcelain veneers to hide chips, stains, and other minor imperfections.
We’ll need to remove a small amount of enamel from the fronts of your teeth to make room for the veneers. That way, your front teeth won’t look large or bulky when we place the veneers. Once we complete this step, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth to send to the lab.
Your permanent will be ready when you return for your second visit. In the meantime, we’ll place temporary covers over your teeth. Our front desk staff will call to schedule your next appointment once your porcelain veneers are ready.
When you return to our office, our dentists will make sure your porcelain veneers are the correct size, shape, and color. We’ll then replace your temporary veneers with the permanent ones. To do this, we’ll need to etch the surface of your teeth. Our dentists will then use a special cement so your permanent veneers make a strong bond with your teeth.
Our cosmetic dentists may schedule a follow-up appointment a few weeks later. This is for your benefit so we can make sure your veneers are working exactly as they should.
Your dental veneers will last longer if you take good care of them. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily to remove plaque. You’ll also need to avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies. Otherwise, you may chip your new porcelain veneers.
Veneers can address discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening, chipped or worn teeth, gaps between teeth, minor misalignment, and irregularly shaped teeth. They provide a natural-looking solution for creating a beautiful, uniform smile.
Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer with proper care, while composite veneers usually last 5-7 years. To maximize longevity, avoid biting hard objects, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are more durable, stain-resistant, and natural-looking but cost more and require more tooth preparation. Composite veneers cost less and can be completed in one visit but are more prone to staining and chipping.
The veneer process is generally comfortable, with local anesthesia used when preparing teeth for porcelain veneers. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and any sensitivity typically resolves within a few days.
Yes, you can eat most foods normally with veneers, but avoid biting hard foods like ice or nuts with your front teeth. Also avoid using your teeth to open packages, as veneers can chip under excessive force.
Traditional porcelain veneers require removing about 0.5mm of tooth enamel (roughly a fingernail’s thickness). Ultra-thin porcelain and composite veneers require minimal or no tooth preparation, depending on your specific case.
Our cosmetic dentists in Grandville, MI, are accepting new patients! To request an appointment, call the Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 739-6001.