Do you have crooked teeth? Maybe you want to repair a chipped tooth or multiple teeth. Porcelain veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry option that improves and balances the smile.
At Mid Michigan Smiles in Mount Pleasant, MI, Dr. Raymond Ribitch offers dental veneers to patients who want to revitalize their smiles. Dr. Ribitch works with patients as individuals to assess tooth damage, review treatment options, and go over a comprehensive treatment plan. It is Dr. Ribitch’s goal to ensure that patients understand and feel comfortable with all of their dental treatments.
What Porcelain Veneers Treat
Dentists use veneers to correct problems like stains, chips, gaps, and uneven teeth. Made from strong, natural-looking porcelain, veneers provide a long-lasting solution for a beautiful smile.
1. Stained or Discolored Teeth
Some teeth develop stains that do not go away with regular brushing or even professional whitening treatments. This can happen due to aging, smoking, or consuming dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause deep stains that affect the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers cover these stains, creating a bright and even smile that stays white for years.
2. Chipped or Worn-Down Teeth
Teeth can become chipped or worn over time due to accidents, teeth grinding, or regular wear and tear. A chipped tooth may affect appearance and weaken the tooth’s structure. Porcelain veneers restore the tooth’s shape and protect it from further damage. They also provide a smooth, natural-looking surface that blends in with the rest of your teeth.
3. Gaps Between Teeth
Small gaps between teeth can make some people feel self-conscious about their smile. Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners can close gaps but often take months or even years. Porcelain veneers offer a faster solution by covering the spaces between teeth. This creates a more uniform and attractive smile without requiring lengthy orthodontic treatment.
4. Uneven or Misshapen Teeth
Not everyone’s teeth grow in perfectly. Some may be too small, too short, or have an irregular shape. This can make a smile look unbalanced or uneven. Porcelain veneers reshape these teeth to create a more symmetrical appearance. The lab customizes each veneer to match the size and proportions of the patient’s smile.
5. Mildly Crooked Teeth
Veneers can also help with mildly crooked teeth. While they do not replace orthodontic treatment for severe misalignment, they can make slightly crooked teeth appear straighter. By covering the front surface of the teeth, veneers create the illusion of a more aligned smile without the need for braces or clear aligners.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
One of the best things about porcelain veneers is that they can treat almost any cosmetic dental problem you have. Traditionally, professional teeth whitening is the treatment for discolored teeth. But not all discoloration responds to those methods. We color-match porcelain veneers to the exact shade of white you desire. They cover the front and sides of your tooth so that the discoloration is completely hidden from view.
Since they cover much of the tooth, they’re also ideal for cosmetic chips and breaks. When you bite down on things incorrectly, the tooth can chip, especially as you age. Teeth also wear down naturally with age. They’re parts of the body that we use daily throughout our lives. It’s natural that they wear down. Porcelain veneers can reverse the look of the aging that’s taken place on your teeth, renewing your smile.
Each porcelain veneer is unique and custom-made for your exact needs. Gaps in between teeth are often a frustration that patients have. If your teeth don’t have large gaps or aren’t extremely crooked, veneers are a good way to close those gaps and close up your smile. The teeth will still look natural in their layout because they’re specifically designed to fit in with your smile. Veneers are always made to look natural.
The Porcelain Veneers Treatment Process
Dr. Raymond Ribitch will give you a comprehensive assessment to ensure that porcelain veneers are the right treatment option for you. To begin treatment, Dr. Ribitch will prepare the tooth receiving the veneer by removing a small amount of the tooth structure. Preparing the tooth ensures that the veneer fits comfortably onto the tooth.
He will then take a dental impression of the prepared tooth to create a custom veneer. Porcelain veneers are made to a particular shape, size, and color that will blend in with other teeth for a natural look. When the final restoration is complete, Dr. Ribitch will bond the thin, shell-like porcelain veneer to the tooth.
Porcelain veneers resist staining, although it is still good to stay away from food and beverages that typically stain teeth, like sodas, teas, coffee, and red wine. You should brush and floss normally with veneers to maintain your new, brilliant smile.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn the answers to questions about dental veneers that many patients may have:
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent restoration. Once you get veneers, those teeth will require a restoration of some sort for the rest of your life. The dentist removes tooth structure so that the veneer can go on and lay flat with the rest of your teeth. Because of this structure removal, a restoration has to be on the tooth to combat sensitivity and other issues. Luckily, porcelain veneers can last a very long time.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are durable and designed to last for at least 20 years. With proper care, maintenance, and regular dental visits, your veneers can last a lifetime.
Can I damage my porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable, but they aren’t invincible. Damage can still occur. This is especially true if you bite down on hard foods directly with the veneer. Extreme force can also pop the veneer off of your tooth if it’s done at the right angle. This happens more often if you’ve had the veneers for a very long time.
Can you get teeth whitening with porcelain veneers?
Veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth and can maintain their beautiful appearance with good oral hygiene. The porcelain material used to craft your veneers can be any shade you like and brighten your natural smile with multiple shades. However, porcelain veneers can’t be whitened further once you have them. They don’t respond to traditional whitening treatments. If you want to treat a discolored veneer, we’ll have to replace your veneer with a new one.
Can you get a cavity with porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers themselves are not susceptible to decay, but the tooth underneath the restoration is always susceptible to disease and decay. It is important that you maintain your oral hygiene and schedule regular visits to our Mount Pleasant, MI office to keep an eye out for possible infections. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Tooth decay in the tooth behind the veneer can also compromise the fit of the veneer.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ideal for patients that have concerns that are only cosmetic. You have to be in good oral health to get veneers as well. Any issues with your gum or dental health will need to be taken care of before getting veneers. You also have to have a certain amount of enamel for veneers to be successful. During our consultation, we’ll ensure that veneers are the right choice for your needs.
Call Dr. Ribitch Today!
Do you want to improve your smile? Call Dr. Ribitch and his professional team for an appointment today at 989-772-1344. You may also request a consultation with Dr. Ribitch on our website. At Mid Michigan Smiles, we aim to provide patients with comprehensive dental solutions in a warm and friendly environment. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit to our Mount Pleasant, Michigan dental office.