Porcelain veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that utilize cap-like shells to build a whiter and more even smile. The fixtures adhere to the front of a patient’s teeth for long-lasting smile enhancement.
Though veneers can resolve many aesthetic concerns in a patient’s smile, the treatment is not optimal for everyone. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if veneers can help you accomplish your smile goals. Dr. Natasha Radosavljevic, a dentist serving patients in Clearwater, FL, outlines three characteristics of ideal candidates for cosmetic treatment with porcelain veneers.
3 Qualities in Ideal Patients for Porcelain Veneers
Seek Long-Lasting Smile Enhancement
As mentioned, porcelain veneers are designed to enhance the appearance of a patient’s teeth. They can make teeth look whiter, straighter, and more regular.
Some cosmetic dental solutions offer temporary benefits, but veneers will remain in place on patients’ smiles for fifteen or more years. Therefore, patients should make sure they are prepared to commit to this treatment before they begin the process. They should also note that porcelain veneers will require more than one appointment to complete.
Because veneers are an elective dental procedure rather than necessary, dental insurance may not cover the cost of this dental work. Patients should be aware of this before pursuing this treatment. If you are looking for a quick and less permanent solution to boost the look of your smile, you can ask your dentist about other smile enhancement options.
Have Ample, Healthy Tooth Enamel
Before your dentist secures porcelain veneers to your teeth, they need to prepare the surface of the teeth. This involves etching into the enamel where the veneers will be bonded into place.
If you have weakened or thinned enamel, you may not be eligible for cosmetic enhancement with veneers. You must have enough enamel to keep your smile healthy after a dentist scrapes a small amount of it away during this procedure. Your dentist can evaluate your dental health during a consultation appointment.
Do Not Grind or Clench Their Teeth
Dentists build porcelain veneers to withstand the everyday wear and tear that your teeth endure regularly. However, teeth grinding and clenching generate abnormally high levels of pressure that could cause veneers to break or become loose.
If your veneers sustain structural damage, you will need repairs or replacements as soon as possible to protect both your smile and your cosmetic dental work. Patients with a habit of clenching and grinding their teeth will be more susceptible to this damage and therefore might not benefit from this type of cosmetic treatment. If you suffer from bruxism, ask your dentist for assistance in ceasing this habit.
Schedule a Cosmetic Dentist Appointment in Clearwater, FL
Dr. Radosavljevic offers porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Clearwater, FL. She also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions. To schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts, contact our office online or reach a member of our staff by phone at 727.360.4302.