Are you looking for a long-lasting way to get a brighter and straighter smile? Ask your dental professional during a cosmetic consultation if porcelain veneers can help you get the smile of your dreams. These cap-like shells attach to the front of your teeth to build a whiter, more even smile.
Despite the many aesthetic benefits of this treatment, some patients may feel nervous to undergo a dental procedure. Dr. Keith Boenning, a dentist serving patients in Towson, MD, answers three common questions that can help you feel calm when you receive porcelain veneers.
Will Porcelain Veneers Hurt?
One of the most common reasons for nervousness before a dental procedure is the fear of pain. It may make you feel better to learn that patients report no pain or discomfort during the porcelain veneers placement process.
Your dentist must prepare the surface of the teeth before the procedure, which involves etching into the enamel. They can give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. This is so you do not feel any pain during this process.
Securing the veneers to the front of the teeth with bonding will also not hurt you. The dentist will also check your bite to ensure that porcelain veneers will not disrupt your oral functions or feel uncomfortable on your teeth after you leave the dentist’s office.
How Long Does It Take to Get Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers will take more than one appointment to complete the smile enhancement treatment. You will begin with a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to ensure that veneers are the best option to help you accomplish your smile goals. This will last about 15 minutes.
Then your dentist will prepare the enamel of the affected teeth during a separate session, which may take an hour. They will take impressions of your smile to construct personalized veneers during this appointment too.
When the veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office to have them secured to the front of your teeth. This may last one to two hours, depending on your unique dental needs.
How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can remain in place for fifteen years. Though veneers can resist decay and staining, you should continue practicing good oral hygiene habits to keep your smile clean and healthy.
You should avoid abnormal pressures that can break or dislodge your veneers, like biting down on hard items. For similar reasons, you should talk to your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth.
Porcelain Veneers and More Cosmetic Solutions in Towson, MD
Boenning and Dancykier Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry offer porcelain veneers and other cosmetic treatments to patients in Towson, MD. Dr. Boenning also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care. To schedule an appointment with our team of dental experts, contact our office by phone at 410.324.2294 or reach a member of our staff online.