Do you dream of yacht parties and celebrity brunches? No? Do you ever wish for a Hollywood-caliber smile despite feeling good about your life status? How about a mouthful of stunning teeth to make friends envious?
Porcelain veneers conceal the dental imperfections you've been hiding behind that closed-lip smile. They magically camouflage the following:
- Gummy smiles
- Short and worn teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Stains and discoloration
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Shape abnormalities
- General imperfections
That’s quite a fix-it list, but the small and mighty porcelain veneer is up for the challenge.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers in Raleigh, NC, are small shells of quality porcelain. Your dentist customizes these shells to match untreated teeth. You can veneer one tooth or several, depending on your smile goals.
To ensure dental veneer candidacy, we start you with a comprehensive consultation. We want to ensure that veneers will give you the desired results.
Porcelain veneers can be used alone or as part of a full smile makeover.
How Porcelain Veneers Work
If you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers, your dentist etches the teeth you’d like to treat to ensure a flush and natural-looking fit. We also take impressions to fabricate these cosmetic restorations. For the final step, your dentist makes all necessary adjustments before cementing the veneers to the fronts of your teeth.
Etching the teeth involves removing a bit of enamel. Removing this enamel means you must consider your veneers as permanent and replace them if they are lost or damaged. A treated tooth without its veneer is at risk for decay, infection, and fracture.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Sometimes, you will not be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. However, the only way to be sure is to consult your dentist.
If you are diagnosed with untreated bruxism (teeth grinding), you may not be a candidate until this is addressed. The dentist will also assess your gum health and previous restorations.
It may be that you require pretreatments before veneers.
If you are not a candidate, the dentist can discuss alternative treatments, such as gum contouring, clear orthodontics, teeth whitening, bonding, or dental crowns, to help you reach your smile goals.
What Are Minimal-Prep Veneers?
Minimal prep veneers are like porcelain veneers but require less tooth prep. They may be applied directly to the teeth using composite and a special light for setting.
Minimal-prep veneers may not enjoy the same longevity as porcelain but may be less expensive. Like natural teeth, some minimal-prep veneers are at risk for staining. So, you should lower your intake of tooth-staining foods and drinks or clean your mouth soon after indulging.
You don’t have to consider most minimal-prep veneers permanent.
Tips for Dental Veneer Care
Porcelain veneers require the same upkeep as untreated teeth.
- Visit Your Dentist: You should see the dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings as you did before veneers.
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: You should brush and floss your teeth after every meal—or brush at least twice daily and floss no less than once.
- Talk to Your Dentist: Contact our dental office if you notice a loose or damaged veneer. Additionally, call us if you have swelling at the gumline, signs of bruxism, or other oral health changes.
How Much Do Veneers Cost in Raleigh, NC?
Veneer prices vary by patient and are based on several factors, including the number of veneers you want, the complexity of pretreatments, and minimal prep vs. porcelain. Your initial consultation determines the final costs because we’ll understand your smile goals and what you hope to achieve with dental veneers.
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options
Cameron Village Dentistry offers many cosmetic dentistry options to transform your smile. Aside from our popular dental veneers, you’ll find:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Clear aligner orthodontics
- Tooth-colored restorations
- Gum contouring
- Dental implants
Contact Your Raleigh, NC, Cosmetic Dentist Today
To learn whether you’re a candidate for dental veneers or if you have questions for our knowledgeable team, contact us today at (919) 821-2454.
Remember to ask about our membership plan and third-party financing options through CareCredit and SunBit. Financing lets you get the dental work you want or need without compromising your budget. Many programs offer interest-free financing. Decisions are prompt, and a team member can help you apply.