16 Apr Porcelain Veneers: Do they have to be applied to all teeth?
Porcelain veneers are a tremendously valuable tool that can help a cosmetic dentist drastically improve a smile’s appearance. Even a single stained, damaged, misshapen or crooked tooth can be enhanced using veneers. The treatment can also be used on a small stretch of unattractive teeth.
Some patients express concern that a porcelain veneer might stick out like the proverbial “sore thumb” when placed next to the patient’s biological teeth. However, the advanced materials used in today’s veneers share many optical qualities with natural tooth enamel. Furthermore, porcelain veneers can be customized to match the shade of the surrounding teeth, which also helps the veneer to blend in with its neighbors.
The veneer treatment process is the same whether the patient is getting a single veneer or multiple porcelain veneers.
In most cases, it takes at least two appointments spaced a few weeks apart to get veneers. The cosmetic dentist will schedule an initial evaluation to gather the information that will be used in the design of the veneer. This process usually involves a visual examination of the teeth during which the dentist will take measurements. If necessary, the dentist will prep the tooth or teeth for veneer placement. The dentist will also take impressions of the teeth.
When the veneers are ready, the patient returns to the dental office to have the veneers bonded to the teeth. At that time, the patient may request any additional adjustments to the shade and shape of veneers that are desired. After the veneers are bonded to the teeth, they can no longer be altered.
Even if you get just one veneer, it’s important to take good care of it (and the rest of your natural teeth, of course!). Veneers can last for years with proper maintenance, so be sure that you get good instructions from the dentist on how to take care of them.
Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve a patient’s smile, even when they’re only placed on a small number of teeth. If you’re interested in correcting flaws in your smile, contact Aesthetic Dental Partners at 210-616-0858 and schedule an appointment to learn more about veneers and what they may be able to achieve in your case.