If you are looking for a way to brighten and straighten your smile and get long-lasting cosmetic benefits, ask your dentist about porcelain veneers. This dental treatment uses cap-like shells to construct a white, even smile over the front of your teeth.
Though this solution can help you accomplish your smile goals, you may still feel nervous about undergoing dental work. Dr. Ken Schweifler, a dentist serving patients in Los Altos, CA, addresses three frequently asked questions to put you at ease before you receive porcelain veneers.
Will the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Hurt?
A common reason for anxiety in the dentist’s office is the fear of pain during a procedure. Even people looking forward to enhancing the appearance of their smile may feel nervous before receiving dental work.
Patients do not report pain or discomfort during and after the porcelain veneer treatment. Dentists prepare the teeth before the procedure, which involves etching into the enamel of the affected teeth so that the veneers can adhere properly. If needed, your dentist can provide you with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort in the dentist’s chair.
Bonding the veneers to the teeth is a non-invasive process, which again will not hurt the individual receiving them. After the veneers are in place, it may take some time to get used to the feeling of the fixtures over their teeth. But the patient should not experience soreness in their smile.
How Long Will the Cosmetic Treatment Take?
The porcelain veneers process may take three separate appointments over the course of several weeks to complete cosmetic treatment. You will begin with a cosmetic consultation appointment, in which your dentist will determine if veneers can help you accomplish your smile goals. This will last approximately 15 minutes.
Then you will need to schedule an appointment to prepare the surface of your teeth and to get digital imaging of your smile. This can take up to two hours, depending on your unique treatment plan. When your customized veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office to have them secured to your teeth. It may take one or two hours to finish this procedure.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy cosmetic enhancement benefits from your porcelain veneers for fifteen years. Make sure you continue practicing good oral hygiene to get the most out of your treatment. Avoid biting down on hard items to avoid breaking or dislodging your veneers.
Porcelain Veneers and More Cosmetic Solutions in Los Altos, CA
Dr. Schweifler offers porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to patients in Los Altos, CA. He also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. Whether you seek routine teeth cleaning or need help with a dental emergency, our team can assist you. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 650.489.4620 or reach a member of our staff online.