Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve the look of your smile. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, clear shells of fine dental porcelain that we bond to the front of damaged teeth. As a common cosmetic dental procedure, we can include porcelain veneers in your custom treatment plan without issue.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Jacksonville, FL
Advances in materials and equipment make today’s porcelain veneers look and feel more like normal teeth. The dental porcelain used to create these cosmetic creations is fine, reflecting light like natural tooth enamel.
Jacksonville cosmetic dentist Dr. Alexander takes a very conservative approach to preparing the teeth for porcelain veneers. He leaves as much of the natural tooth as possible. With the CEREC system, we can produce many porcelain veneers in our Jacksonville office while the patient waits. This saves the patient from awkward temporaries and many visits.
First, we prepare the teeth that will receive the veneers. We remove a small amount of tooth structure so the veneers can lay flush against the other teeth in your smile, ensuring they look more natural. The dentist uses digital technology to take impressions of the prepared teeth. The impressions go to the CEREC machine so that it can start making your restoration. With CEREC, the porcelain veneer process can take only a single day.
What Porcelain Veneers Treat
In addition to tooth discoloration, porcelain veneers can treat chipped or cracked teeth. Veneers can cover up chips and cracks, restoring the shape and size of the teeth for a more even and youthful smile. They also cover natural wear and tear that occurs with time.
Another common issue that porcelain veneers address is misaligned or crooked teeth. While orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign may be necessary in some cases, veneers can be a quicker and less invasive option for patients looking to improve their smile’s appearance.
Veneers can create the illusion of straighter teeth by covering up minor alignment issues. This has functional as well as cosmetic benefits. Porcelain veneers can treat gaps between teeth, another way veneers can help instead of orthodontic treatment. Veneers are custom-made to fill these gaps and create a more even smile.
Porcelain Veneers Benefits
Porcelain veneers are a restoration that looks incredibly natural. The material they’re made of has a translucent quality that mimics that of a natural tooth. We also color-match the veneers so that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Porcelain veneers are a durable restoration built to last. On average, they last 10-15 years or more if properly cared for. In addition, they’re stain-resistant. You can confidently eat foods that stain natural teeth because veneers can withstand stains better than natural tooth structures.
Not only can veneers provide aesthetic benefits, but they can also assist with function. If you have teeth that have experienced enamel erosion or are weakened due to other issues, veneers can strengthen those teeth and help prevent further erosion of your natural tooth structure.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers can correct almost any cosmetic dental concern. To learn more, read the answers to the following frequently asked questions.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years before we recommend replacement. Proper oral hygiene and routine dental care can extend the life of your veneers.
Are porcelain veneers durable?
Yes. They are more durable than tooth bonding, an alternative procedure. However, they are not indestructible. Porcelain veneers consist of solid porcelain, so they can incur damage. You will need to replace them if damage occurs.
Will porcelain veneers damage my teeth?
No, only improperly placed veneers will damage your teeth. This thin material acts, in part, as a protective shell for your tooth. It can protect your tooth from stains, cavities, and more.
Can you whiten dental veneers?
No, veneers will not react to professional teeth whitening treatments. Dental porcelain isn’t living tissue like your natural teeth. Traditional whitening techniques open up the pores in the tooth so that the bleach can get to the deeper layers of the tooth. You aren’t able to do this with veneers. If you have old veneers that have discolored over time and require replacement, contact our office.
Can I get cavities if I have veneers?
Even if veneers cover your teeth, you can still experience tooth decay and cavities. Veneers cover the front of your tooth enamel but will not fully cover your tooth. If you develop tooth decay, the teeth behind your veneers can still be affected. It’s important to properly care for your veneers and natural teeth to prevent decay.
Will tooth grinding damage veneers?
We will not recommend veneers for patients with bruxism or tooth clenching and grinding. Like natural teeth, dental veneers can sustain damage from the forces of clenching and grinding. The more pressure you put on them, the more likely they will break or fall off your teeth.
3 Treatments To Fix A Broken Tooth
If you have broken teeth, you must find a solution as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your smile. Not fixing broken or damaged teeth in time may lead to tooth decay, gum infections, and even tooth loss. Dr. Alexander offers a selection of restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry services used to repair damaged or broken teeth.
Dr. Alexander will carefully examine your teeth to determine which solution will give you the most natural-looking, effective results. Contact our Jacksonville, FL, dentist’s office to learn more about your options.
Treatments For Broken Teeth
During your visit, Dr. Alexander will examine your teeth to determine which treatment is right for you. He will also address underlying dental problems to ensure your teeth are functional and healthy.
Dental Bonding: We can use dental bonding to address concerns like gapped teeth, chipped or broken teeth, and discolored teeth. We can usually complete a dental bonding procedure in just one short visit. Dr. Alexander will apply a tooth-colored resin to the affected teeth.
Next, he will shape and mold the tooth-colored resin to the desired shape. We harden the tooth-colored resin into place using a special light. Once the tooth-colored resin is set, Dr. Alexander will polish the tooth and make any last-minute adjustments.
Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers address the same concerns that dental bonding addresses. However, porcelain veneers are a more durable, effective solution. If porcelain veneers are right for you, Dr. Alexander will walk you through the process during your appointment.
Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are essential “caps” that cover the damaged part of the teeth. They can address chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, misshapen teeth, and discolored teeth. Receiving dental crowns may take 2-3 weeks.
Schedule A Porcelain Veneer Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
Contact our dentist office to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you! You can also schedule your consultation online with Dr. Alexander.