About Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are an easy way to transform a smile with mild to moderate dental issues into something truly beautiful and breathtaking. They are also responsible for giving patients a “Hollywood smile” that are seemingly perfect. Extremely thin ceramic coverings are placed over the teeth, and with them, we can make noticeable stains, cracks, and gaps seemingly disappear. They can even be used to make slightly crooked teeth appear straighter, which is why many dentists call them “instant orthodontics.”
The Smile Enhancement You’ve Been Waiting for
Have your smile flaws left you hesitant to interact with other people or pose for photos? If so, wouldn’t you like to finally turn things around? With a brand-new set of porcelain veneers placed by Dr. Hamlett and Dr. La Mastra, you can experience the joy of having a beautifully revamped set of teeth. The path to smile perfection starts with contacting our Park Cities – Dallas, TX office to request an initial visit. A more fulfilling life awaits you!
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What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom crafted from high-grade ceramics. Made into thin shells that fit directly over the front-facing teeth and into the smile line, each veneer is designed to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth. As a result, gaps, slight crowding, misalignment, stains, and chips can be overcome to leave a natural-looking appearance.
Ultimately, receiving a set of porcelain veneers provides a convenient alternative for people who would, otherwise, have to consider more lengthy procedures like braces or aligners to improve their teeth.
What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
The advantages of porcelain veneers are numerous. As previously mentioned, a primary perk of having them placed is that they don’t require a lengthy treatment protocol like other processes. Instead, in just a few weeks, patients are left with a smile that looks like they were born with it.
Naturally, such an “about-face” in one’s appearance is accompanied by a boost in self-esteem, which can make for more favorable encounters with other people. And in some cases, the added confidence that comes along with having a gorgeous smile can translate into career advancement.
All of these benefits hinge on one thing: your action. So contact us today to schedule an initial visit Drs. Hamlett and La Mastra. A beautiful new smile is just around the corner!
Who is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Before moving forward with receiving a set of porcelain veneers, the first step is to visit Dr. La Mastra or Dr. Hamlett for an oral health evaluation. They will be looking for signs of cavities, gum disease, and any other problems that could jeopardize the effectiveness and overall success of the porcelain veneers procedure.
If any issues are found, they’ll first need to be addressed. Once this is taken care of, the smile-upgrade process can officially begin. An additional benefit of your cosmetic dentist taking this more conservative approach is that patients are able to enjoy the new smile longer – in some cases more than 15 years!
What is the Procedure Like?
Typically, the porcelain veneers procedure can be completed in two-to-three visits to our office. Here are the steps we’ll usually take:
- Numbing Medication – to ensure a painless experience
- Enamel Preparation – a thin layer of enamel removed to make room for the veneers to fit naturally into the smile line
- Fabrication – bite impressions captured and sent to an in-network lab for fabrication
- Temporary Veneers Placed – to protect any exposed teeth during the fabrication process
- Final Placement – the finished veneers are permanently bonded into position, and any final adjustments are made.
With the expert care of Dr. La Mastra, Dr. Hamlett, and our highly-skilled team, you’ll have a brand-new smile in just a few weeks’ time.
How Is the Recovery from Porcelain Veneers?
Since getting cosmetic veneers normally doesn't require anesthesia, you should be able to continue your daily activities following your appointment. You might experience sensitivity to hot and cold food for a couple of days, but that should subside naturally. Your veneers should be cleaned just like your natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. While cosmetic veneers are resistant to stains compared to natural teeth, you still need to avoid staining food and drinks to keep your smile white. To prevent chipping your veneers, you should not chew on hard objects, like ice or your fingernails. Continue to go to dental exams and cleanings at Drs Hamlett and La Mastra so we can monitor the condition of your porcelain veneers, teeth, and general oral health. Dr. La Mastra will tell you if your porcelain veneers will need to be replaced or repaired.
Porcelain Veneers FAQ
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Typically, porcelain veneers can last for around ten years. However, with proper maintenance, they can often last even longer. Some patients have even reported stunning, natural-looking veneers even after 20 years.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The overall price of veneers depends on exactly how many you'll need. As veneers are strictly meant to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth, we'll only use them on the front teeth that are the most visible. This practicality allows us to keep the cost down, which can be helpful because due to the cosmetic purpose of veneers, they are not covered by dental insurance.
Are porcelain veneers painful?
Our team utilizes a numbing agent during the application of the veneers. This should reduce any pain felt and lead to a much more comfortable process. Usually, patients tend to feel little to no pain after the procedure, especially when receiving fewer veneers.
Should I receive porcelain veneers or dental crowns?
While porcelain veneers and dental crowns may seem similar at first, they are actually used for two very different reasons. A dental crown is generally used to protect a tooth that has a large filling, crack, or has had a root canal. Alternatively, veneers are used to correct minor imperfections in the shape of the teeth.
What should I avoid with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are durable and last a long time, but certain foods and habits can impact their lifespan. These include chewing on hard objects like pens or ice cubes, biting down on hard or sticky food, and using your teeth as tools. Additionally, smoking can cause discoloration of the veneers, making them less aesthetically pleasing. Dr. Hamlett and Dr. La Mastra can provide more recommendations during a consultation.
When should I contact my dentist?
Contact your dentist if you experience any issues with your porcelain veneers, such as discomfort or pain. Other examples include chipping or cracking of the veneers or discoloration over time. Our dental team can perform an evaluation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the continued beauty and functionality of your veneers.
Attain a Confident Grin
Get the confidence of a beautiful smile with custom porcelain veneers at Drs. Hamlett and La Mastra in Dallas, TX. With an array of treatment options to fit your needs, Dr. Hamlett or Dr. La Mastra will help you quickly enhance the look of your smile with cosmetic veneers. To learn more, schedule a consultation with one of our skilled providers today.
