As cliché as it may sound, your smile really is one of the first things people notice about you. Are you giving off a good first impression?

If you’re uncomfortable with your teeth, odds are, it shows through your body language and self-confidence. The good news is that you don’t have to be unhappy with your teeth forever. Instead, opt for porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are often used to treat:

• Chipped teeth
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Uneven spacing
• Crooked teeth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Irregularly shaped teeth

Used to recreate the natural appearance of teeth, porcelain veneers are made out of thin pieces of porcelain, which are adhered to the front of the tooth. Porcelain is used because the material is comparable to natural tooth enamel in appearance and strength. 

Traditionally, a portion of the natural tooth’s enamel is removed prior to attaching the veneer. However, there are minimal prep and “no prep” veneers that require very little to no enamel removal prior to adhering veneers.

Typically, porcelain veneers require only a few visits — the first visit being a consultation with your dentist to determine if veneers are the right option for you and to find out what specific imperfections you’re looking to resolve with veneers. Your dentist will show you examples of the end result before any treatment is performed.

“Veneers are custom-made for each patient, so your smile will look as natural as it did prior to veneers,” said Dr. Luis R. Pérez of Fairway Dental in Carrollton.

The actual treatment often involves only two visits. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled for final adjustments and polishing and to review instructions for care of your new smile to ensure it lasts for years.

Though veneers are a great option for people who are uncomfortable with their smile, there are a few aspects of porcelain veneers that should be carefully considered prior to treatment.

According to Dr. Pérez, it is important to realize that veneers are not considered to be reversible, as a portion of the existing tooth is removed to fit the veneer. New veneers can be made, but it’s unlikely that patients will be able to ever go without veneers in the future.

In addition, once veneers are placed on teeth, the color cannot be changed. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, make sure to have it done prior to veneers.

Though we may think of porcelain as fragile, porcelain veneers are very strong and can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Still, patients should take care of their veneers as they can chip or crack — just as natural teeth can. Refrain from biting nails, chewing on ice, or putting any other undue stress on your veneers.

If you would like to know more how about porcelain veneers can improve your smile, call Dr. Luis Pérez and his staff at Fairway Dental in Carrollton for a free smile consultation at 214-731-4816, or visit the website at www.fairwaydental.com.

Fairway Dental
Luis R. Pérez, DDS, PA 

1616 W. Hebron Pkwy. Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75010 

214-731-4816
www.fairwaydental.com