Porcelain veneers can be the solution for a variety of oral health and cosmetic dental concerns. Custom-made from ultra-thin, translucent materials that reflect light like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can enhance your smile and improve dental health.
Dr. Brent Blaylock places porcelain veneers in his Durham dentist office and recommends this treatment option for patients with damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth. They provide a permanent restoration solution and are often more affordable than many patients realize.
During a consultation, Dr. Blaylock will perform a thorough dental examination and discuss your personal concerns before recommending a treatment plan, including porcelain veneers. He will explain the procedure and any associated costs.
Porcelain Veneers in Durham, NC
The porcelain veneer process requires 2 to 3 visits for consultation, treatment planning, and final placement. At his Durham, NC, cosmetic dentistry office, Dr. Blaylock will analyze your smile to find the shape and fit that best suits your unique smile.
The procedure for porcelain veneers is relatively painless, with very minimal tooth preparation. In some cases, you do not need any preparation. A skilled artist will make dental veneers in a dental laboratory. You will have the opportunity to review the shade and characterization of the veneers before they are permanently cemented to your teeth.
Patients often worry about the pain associated with porcelain veneers. Dr. Blaylock will take all steps to ensure your comfort before, during, and after treatment. It is common for patients to experience some mild sensitivity immediately following treatment. These symptoms generally subside within 1 – 3 days of treatment.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
What is a dental veneer?
A dental veneer is a restoration that covers the front and sides of a tooth to improve its shape and/or color. Porcelain veneers contain finely crafted ceramic materials, and composite resin can also be used.
What can dental veneers do?
Dentists use dental veneers in cosmetic dentistry to correct many concerns, including:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Misshapen, crooked, misaligned, or asymmetrical teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Aging teeth that have worn down
- Stained, unsightly, or washed-out fillings
One of the best things about veneers is that they can treat a variety of conditions. They cover the entire front-facing portion of your tooth, meaning they can completely hide issues. They’re similar to a dental crown; however, they cover only the front portion instead of the entire tooth. Crowns also require a lot of preparation, which involves getting rid of a lot of tooth structure. With veneers, you don’t lose a lot of your natural teeth.
How long do veneers last?
Resin veneers are more of a temporary solution. They might last 5 to 10 years before you need to replace or touch them. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a more permanent solution, and dentists design them to last a lifetime. Your dentist in Durham, NC conducts careful treatment planning to ensure the veneers are stable and long-lasting.
Proper hygiene care and maintenance can improve the longevity of any type of dental veneer or other restoration. Brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits will improve your veneers’ life span. Dr. Blaylock may also suggest a mouthguard to protect porcelain veneers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the material used, the number of veneers placed, and the patient’s specific condition. Before treatment, we will complete a full review of the procedure, including the cost of the porcelain veneer.
Do porcelain veneers stain over time?
Porcelain veneers are not completely stain-resistant but resist staining better than natural teeth. Any food or drink that can stain regular teeth can also affect the veneer, including tea, coffee, and red wine. However, these stains are usually more surface-level and removed with professional cleaning.
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
Yes. Because porcelain veneers are custom-made for the patient and the shape, size, and color of their existing teeth, they blend seamlessly within the smile and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Schedule a visit for a porcelain veneer consultation with Dr. Brent Blaylock today! Give us a call at 984-213-4695, or request an appointment online.