Beautiful Porcelain Veneers in Mobile, AL
VENEERS
If you have a chipped tooth, cracked tooth, or mild spacing issues, you may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. Veneers are a treatment option that can help to restore the appearance of your smile and provide you with a new sense of confidence.
WHAT ARE VENEERS?
They are pieces of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of a tooth that has been damaged from trauma or a cavity.
Essentially, a dentist will bond a veneer to on top of the front surface of the original tooth, and this will help to correct certain cosmetic issues, such as:
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- Cracked/fractured teeth
- Mild spacing between teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Discoloration and mild stain that cannot be bleached
- Malformed or malpositioned teeth
While porcelain veneers may involve the removal of part of the tooth’s original surface, they are not as aggressive or as invasive as full coverage dental crowns.
WHAT IS DENTAL BONDING?
For people who have minor cosmetic issues that they would like to fix, this may be a better option than dental crowns or veneers. The process involves the chairside/immediate application of a composite resin (tooth colored) filling. These bonded composite resins can address similar issues, but may not be considered as permanent or as strong as their porcelain counterpart.
West Mobile Dental Care is conveniently located in Mobile, AL, but proudly serves Daphne, Prichard, Montrose, Fairhope, Tillman’s Corner, and other neighboring communities.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
As you can see, these two procedures have a lot in common. So what exactly is the difference?
The first key difference is the material being used. Generally, veneers are made with porcelain or ceramics. On the other hand, resin or plastic is used for dental bonding. The process involved with veneers and dental bonding is also quite different in a number of ways. When you have veneers placed, there is a process of removing a minimal amount of the surface of the teeth that are being repaired.
An impression is taken of the teeth that is sent to a lab for custom fabrication. On the other hand, during dental bonding, the enamel is generally left alone, and instead the resin is bonded in the space caused by the fracture or cavity in the existing tooth. This is also a much faster process, which may allow a patient to finish with the procedure within one visit.
WHAT IS THE PORCELAIN VENEER PROCESS TYPICALLY LIKE?
The process isn’t unlike most other restorative trips to the dentist. Still, it’s important to understand what steps you will be going through to first see if you need them to begin with, and then have them properly fabricated.
The first step of the process is a simple consultation. Your dentist will take a look at your tooth or teeth that are in need of repair, and they will discuss with you different cosmetic treatment possibilities. If the issues aren’t too complex or if only minimal tooth structure is missing, they may suggest bonding.
If a significant tooth is missing and the tooth is compromised, they may suggest a crown to surround and protect the entire tooth. Falling in the middle of this spectrum would be the placement of a veneer-providing more predictability than the bonding but not as aggressive as a crown.
This will also involve discussions of which option is best for you for different reasons, including the price point. While porcelain is the most popular, other options include: composite, prepless, and minimal prep.
Once you’ve made the decision as to what sort of veneer is the best fit for you, you will set a preparation appointment. During this appointment, the dentist will remove a layer of the enamel of the tooth or teeth that are being repaired. While most people find this procedure painless, some dentists will offer local anesthesia.
After preparation, your dentist will make a mold or impression of your teeth to ensure that you have the perfect shape for your veneers. The impression will be sent to a lab for custom fabrication.
The final visit will involve placement. This visit will begin with the doctor ensuring that they match your adjacent teeth’s color and shape. A cement will be applied, and they will be placed and dried.
At this point, they are permanently placed, and you can smile with your new, beautiful teeth!
DO I NEED VENEERS?
While veneers can be extremely helpful for some patients, they aren’t the right solution for everyone. Set an appointment with your dentist to see if dental veneers are right for you. They may determine that veneers are a good decision, or they may suggest other options like dental bonding, dental crowns, or other treatment services.
At West Mobile Dental Care, we also offer other outstanding cosmetic services that include whitening, crown lengthening, bridges, bonding, and more.