Many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, even if they have healthy teeth and gums. Veneers are a permanent solution that can transform your smile. Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS, offer custom veneers for our Cincinnati cosmetic dentistry patients.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin covers that are placed on the teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are tooth-colored to look like natural teeth and may be made of either porcelain or a composite resin.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can give anyone with strong, healthy teeth a beautiful smile and boost self-confidence. They can cover or correct a variety of cosmetic concerns, including discolored teeth, chipped or oddly shaped teeth, or an unsatisfying size of a tooth.
Veneers are custom-made to not only give you a smile that’s proportional and personalized, but also one that closely matches the shade of natural tooth enamel, so you can be sure no one would guess that they’re not your normal teeth. Veneers can be made of a stain-resistant material as well, although they still require you to have good dental hygiene in order to maintain their appearance.
How are Veneers Placed?
Before placing veneers on the teeth, your dentist will first prepare them by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the veneer. This ensures that they will look natural and fit well. Your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth and determine a shade for the veneers that will look natural and flattering for your specific tooth shade and shape.
After this initial appointment, your dentist will send the impressions to a dental lab so that your custom veneers can be created. If a patient wants, they can request temporary veneers as they wait for these to arrive.
When your custom veneers are available, your dentist will adjust their fit before cleaning your teeth and adhering the veneers to your teeth. Patients should understand that because enamel is removed, veneers are a permanent decision.
Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers in Cincinnati?
A veneer treatment is a good option for patients who feel self-conscious about their teeth. If you have chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth, veneers may be a good option for you.
Veneers are not always suitable for patients with unhealthy teeth or gums, although most issues can be treated and resolved before veneers are placed. They may also be a poor choice for patients who clench or grind their teeth, as this could cause damage to the veneers over time. If you only clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, however, it may be possible for you to have veneers and wear a dental night guard to protect them from chips or breaking. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and oral health to determine whether veneers are a suitable choice for you.
Caring for Veneers
After receiving veneer treatment, patients care for their veneers as if they were their natural teeth. This means brushing twice a day, flossing at least once per day, and using a fluoride mouthwash if recommended. Dental veneers are meant to be permanent installments in the mouth, and although they are stain-resistant, they can still become discolored like natural teeth. Be sure to ask our dentists if you notice a significant change in color with your veneers, as this could require other cosmetic dentistry procedures to help correct.
Veneers FAQs
What is the process of getting porcelain veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers typically involves two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small layer of enamel, take impressions, and place temporary veneers. At the second visit, your custom porcelain veneers are bonded securely to your teeth for a natural, long-lasting result.
Can veneers fall off?
Veneers are designed to be durable and securely bonded, but in rare cases, they can loosen or come off due to trauma, excessive wear, or biting on hard objects. If this happens, your dentist can usually reattach or replace the veneer.
Do veneers feel like real teeth?
Yes, porcelain veneers are crafted to fit seamlessly over your natural teeth, so they feel smooth and comfortable in your mouth. After a short adjustment period, most patients do not notice any difference from their natural teeth.
Do veneers make your teeth look bigger?
Veneers are custom-made to enhance your smile’s shape, size, and color without appearing unnatural. Your dentist will design them to fit your facial proportions, so they typically do not make teeth look noticeably larger unless that is your desired outcome.
What happens to teeth under veneers?
Your natural teeth remain in place under the veneers, with only a thin layer of enamel removed for proper bonding. With good oral hygiene, these teeth stay healthy and protected by the veneer covering.
Will whitening strips damage veneers?
Whitening strips do not change the color of porcelain veneers, but frequent use can potentially damage the bonding material at the edges. If you wish to brighten your smile, it’s best to whiten your natural teeth before getting veneers.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers are a long-term treatment and can last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Because a thin layer of enamel is removed, the process is not reversible, meaning veneers will need to be replaced eventually.
Do veneers stay white?
Yes, porcelain is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and other foods. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive consumption of staining substances will help keep your veneers bright.
How long does it take to get veneers done?
The process usually takes two to three weeks from start to finish. This includes the preparation appointment, the time needed for the dental lab to create your veneers, and the final placement visit.
Is it painful to get porcelain veneers?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the veneer process, as the procedure is done with local anesthesia. You may have mild sensitivity for a few days afterward, which typically resolves quickly.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in veneers for addressing your aesthetic needs, please schedule an appointment with the expert cosmetic dentists at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS. Call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request a consultation online to find out if veneers are right for you.