Do you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile?
Receive high-quality porcelain veneers in Indianapolis, IN at North Meridian Dental Excellence. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental option that covers the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. When we craft dental veneers from ceramic, they are reflective and look natural.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht provides patients with high-quality, comfortable care that addresses dental problems at the source. Our Indianapolis, IN dentist collaborates with patients to ensure treatment meets their needs.
What Do Dental Veneers Fix?
One of the things that makes porcelain veneers so popular is that they can correct almost any cosmetic dental problem. The most common cosmetic concern patients have is discolored teeth. Traditionally, we treat this with professional teeth whitening. However, not all discoloration responds to this technique. Deeper stains won’t come out with teeth bleaching alone. We color-match veneers to the shade of white you desire. The discoloration is completely hidden because it covers the front and sides of the tooth.
We use our teeth daily, so naturally, they’ll show signs of wear and tear. Cosmetic chips and cracks usually happen as we age. Your teeth wear down, becoming shorter and duller as the years pass. Porcelain veneers can take years off of your smile. They improve the dull appearance and fill your teeth back out, so they’re the proper length while looking natural with your smile.
When you have small gaps between your teeth or mild misalignment, orthodontic treatment is often unnecessary. Porcelain veneers can help in this department. We custom-make each veneer, ensuring even spacing between teeth and giving you a more balanced smile. We can shape the veneers even when they’re already on your teeth to ensure you have a uniform, harmonious smile.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
One of the best benefits of porcelain veneers is their resemblance to natural teeth. Dental ceramic is one of the few materials that can mimic the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel. They look incredibly natural, blended into your natural smile. Porcelain is incredibly stain-resistant, too. If you frequently drink coffee or red wine, you don’t have to worry as much about staining as you would with other dental treatment options.
Veneers can also help the strength and functionality of your teeth. If you’re experiencing enamel erosion, putting a veneer over that tooth can protect it from further erosion. They can help strengthen teeth and eliminate sensitivity if you’ve noticed it while eating and drinking. Damaged or worn teeth can cause discomfort when eating; veneers can help remedy this.
Porcelain veneers are a durable restoration you can count on for the long haul. They last for 10-15 years or more if you care for them properly. You don’t need to reapply treatments or come in for touch-ups. Since they’re stain-resistant and strong, you shouldn’t have any problems with their longevity.
Maintaining them is easy, too. All you have to do is brush and floss like you would normally. Come into the office regularly so that we can ensure that everything is going well. We only recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the restoration. You don’t have to do anything special like you would with dentures or other restorations.
Treatment with Porcelain Veneers
Before treatment, Dr. Ahlbrecht or one of his colleagues will review your oral health and assess your teeth and gums. We conduct this evaluation to ensure this cosmetic treatment meets your needs. Dr. Ahlbrecht will remove a small layer of tooth enamel to prepare your teeth for the veneers. We do this to create room for the veneers and provide a better bonding surface.
CEREC is then used to take impressions of teeth. This technology utilizes digital impressions to help fabricate porcelain veneers and customize them for each patient. After the veneers are fabricated, they will be bonded to teeth. Dr. Ahlbrecht will ensure they fit comfortably onto the affected tooth or teeth.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers can treat almost any cosmetic concern. To learn more, read the answers to the following frequently asked questions.
Can you chew with porcelain veneers?
Patients with porcelain veneers can chew normally. However, they should avoid extremely sticky or chewy foods that get easily caught between the veneers. Veneers are durable and act as normal teeth when eating and chewing. We also caution against biting down on food directly with the veneers. Though durable, they can still fracture under too much direct pressure.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers generally last anywhere from 10-30 years. Taking proper care of them is essential to getting more years out of them. Regularly brush and floss, and come into our office for bi-annual checkups. We can teach you the best ways to care for them and ensure they’re all holding up properly.
Can veneers fall off?
Veneers may fall off if you clench or grind your teeth too much. We do not recommend putting extreme pressure on your veneers for extended periods. If you know you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth, wearing a nightguard to protect against grinding is a good way to combat this.
Veneers can also fall off if the structure of your tooth isn’t sound. The natural tooth is the foundation for the porcelain veneer. Without proper oral care, you can still experience cavities and decay in the natural tooth structure. If the decay advances, your veneer can loosen or fall off.
What can you not do with porcelain veneers?
We recommend that patients with porcelain veneers avoid eating particularly hard or chewy foods, such as chewing ice and hard or sticky candy. Patients should also avoid foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, soda, berries, tomatoes, etc.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
Porcelain veneers are very strong, but they aren’t indestructible. They can break easily if you bite down directly and forcefully on hard substances. If you have a teeth-grinding habit, that can also break the veneers. We recommend using a nightguard to protect the restoration and the rest of your teeth.
Is it painful to get porcelain veneers?
In most cases, patients report little to no pain during the procedure for porcelain veneers. When preparing the teeth for veneers, we use a local anesthetic to completely numb the treatment area. If you suffer from dental anxiety, our office can provide sedation solutions so you remain calm and relaxed throughout the entire process.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Contact North Meridian Dental Excellence in Indianapolis at 317.204.7134. Feel free to schedule a consultation on our website. Our office accepts multiple payment and insurance options and works with patients to answer any questions about their coverage and finances.