Porcelain Veneers in Harrisburg, NC

Psychologists have found that smiling can reduce stress and boost your mood, but what if you don’t like your smile? If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, you’re not alone: 3 in 5 Americans hate their smile. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for revamping your smile and improving your well-being. These thin shells fit over the front of your teeth to conceal visible imperfections.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a popular solution to enhancing the appearance of your smile.

You may consider porcelain veneers if:

  • Your teeth are chipped or cracked.
  • You have gaps in your smile.
  • Your teeth are stained or discolored.
  • You have small or misshapen teeth.

If you have oral health issues, like cavities or gum disease, these should be treated before you get veneers.

Certain habits can cause veneers to chip or crack. If you grind or clench your teeth, bite your nails, or chew on pens, veneers may not be right for you.

Veneers vs. Crowns

Porcelain Veneers in Harrisburg Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David NeyWhile both porcelain veneers and dental crowns can improve the appearance of your smile, veneers are primarily cosmetic in nature.

Unlike veneers, crowns are caps that fit over the entire exposed portion of the tooth; they are used to strengthen and protect damaged, weak, or fractured teeth. Preparing a tooth for a crown is more invasive, requiring more enamel to be removed than a veneer.

At your consultation, Dr. Ney will help you determine which option best suits your needs.

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Consultation

At your free consultation, you will meet with Dr. Ney to discuss your concerns, goals, and budget. He’ll perform an exam to evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If you are eligible, Dr. Ney will decide how many veneers are needed to resolve your concerns. While getting just one veneer is possible, they are typically applied in even numbers for the most aesthetically pleasing result. The front six to eight teeth on the top arch are the most common teeth for veneers.

Preparation

At your first appointment, Dr. Ney will prepare your teeth by applying local anesthesia and removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to trim them down. He will take impressions so your veneers can be custom-made in a dental lab. It can take a couple of weeks for the lab to create your veneers, so you will receive temporary veneers as you wait.

Placement

Once your veneers are created, you’ll come in for a second appointment. At this visit, Dr. Ney will inspect the color, shape, and fit of the veneers. He’ll remove your temporary veneers and clean your teeth so that no bacteria is trapped under the veneers when they are placed. The veneers are then bonded to the front of your teeth using dental cement. The cement is hardened with ultraviolet light to camouflage the flaws in your smile permanently. In less than two hours, you’ll be able to flash a beautiful, natural-looking new smile.

Porcelain Veneers in Harrisburg Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Ney

Caring for Your Veneers

While veneers don’t damage your teeth or develop cavities, proper oral hygiene is important for maintaining the veneers and the natural teeth underneath. Veneers can provide a layer of protection, but the natural tooth beneath it is still susceptible to decay. Following standard oral care recommendations like brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help to clear away debris and prevent bacteria growth. Be sure to use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid whitening toothpaste as it is too abrasive for your veneers and won’t impact the color.

To prevent your veneers from cracking or chipping, take care when eating hard or crunchy foods. It can help to cut up foods that may cause wear to your veneers. Avoid chewing on pens or opening packaging with your teeth. If you find that you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can take pressure off your veneers.

Be sure to schedule routine six-month checkups with Dr. Ney to help maintain your veneers and keep your smile radiant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Porcelain Veneers

Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?

Porcelain veneers permanently enhance the appearance of your teeth for the rest of your life. Because Dr. Ney needs to file away a thin layer of enamel, the procedure is not reversible. If you prefer a reversible cosmetic procedure, dental bonding may be right for you. During a dental bonding procedure, Dr. Ney will apply a tooth-colored resin to enhance the quality of your smile. However, dental bonding is less long-lasting than porcelain veneers: you’ll need touchups every 3 to 10 years.

How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?

Compared to other options (like composite resin veneers), a benefit of porcelain veneers is their greater strength and durability. While composite veneers typically last between 5 to 7 years, porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years with proper care and regular checkups.

Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural?

Yes! While patients are sometimes concerned that their veneers will look fake, porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking material used for veneers. The covering is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and easily blends in with the shape and color of your natural teeth. Rest assured that your veneers will never look unnaturally white or opaque. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant and have natural tooth texture and light-reflecting properties.

Can Veneers Replace Missing Teeth?

Veneers are bonded to your healthy natural teeth, so they are not used when a tooth is missing or if a tooth needs to be extracted. If you want to replace missing teeth, mini dental implants can help. A mini implant is a small titanium post that is screwed into your jawbone. On top of the post is a ball that connects to an artificial crown or other prosthesis with a rubber O-ring. Mini dental implants are a great option for patients who need to replace one, many, or all of their teeth. Dr. Ney can place mini implants in as little as one day to restore your smile permanently.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Porcelain is the strongest and most durable material used for veneers but is more costly. However, alternative materials that aren’t as long-lasting will need to be repaired more frequently and replaced more quickly, which can put stress on your finances. While porcelain veneers may cost more upfront, they will last you years and years. Dr. Ney also partners with three dental financing companies—CareCredit, LendingClub, and Ally—to help your cosmetic dental procedures fit into your budget. With manageable monthly payments and 0% introductory rates, these flexible financing options make your porcelain veneers affordable.

Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Don’t let your cracked, discolored, or uneven teeth make you self-conscious. With porcelain veneers, you’ll be able to smile proudly and improve your quality of life. Visit Dr. David P. Ney, DDS, to transform your smile in Harrisburg, NC. Schedule a free consultation today to learn if porcelain veneers are right for you.